Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 with 5-3/4 Foot Bed

Published 10/20/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector and Cover Plate - 7' Long

(282)

$91.31

Demco Autoslide Capture Plates for Trailair Rota-Flex and Lippert Road Armor Pin Boxes

(146)

$54.74

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 13,000 lbs

(722)

$2145.00

Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(465)

$981.58

Question:

I need a fifth wheel hitch for my 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 but I have the short 5.75 foot bed. What are my options with this reduced turning clearance?

asked by: Jack

Expert Reply:

Since your 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has the short 5-3/4' bed I have a few options for a 5th wheel hitch and the difference really boils down to what you'd like to do or are willing to do. First things first though, we will need to get some rails and wiring installed in the bed of your truck and for that I recommend the Reese Rails # RP56015-53 and Wiring Kit # C53CR.

Now that we have all of this squared away we can look at the different 5th wheel hitch options. I personally like the fixed hitch with the Sidewinder pin box but some people like going with a slider so that they can retain the same pin box. Here are my recommendations for both options.

For a sliding 5th wheel hitch you'll need to use the 13 Demco Hijacker # DM8550040 because it is the only slider that has 22-1/2" of front to back travel so it can clear your cab. This is compatible with most pin boxes out there but you may need a special capture plate # DM6171 if you have a Trailair Rota-Flex pin box.

For a stationary 5th wheel hitch I recommend the Reese M5 # RP30928 because of how easy it is to use and how secure the single-jaw hugs the king pin. Since this doesn't have travel you'll need to install a Sidewinder pin box on your trailer to get an extra 22" of turning clearance. Since the Sidewinder has a rotating turret you'll need the Custom Wedge # RP44FR to get the best fit.

Sidewinders are pin box specific so you'll need to make sure you check out your current pin box to ensure you get the correct replacement. Attached is a link to an article we have on how to choose the correct Sidewinder replacement pin box.