Does 2022 Chevy Silverado 3500 with OEM Rail Kit Need Slider to Shut Tailgate

Updated 02/28/2022 | Published 02/27/2022

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K

(5033)

$1699.00

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5033)

$1199.00

Question:

My current pickup 2006 Silverado 3500 longbox. I have a 2022 Silverado 3500 longbox on order. The 2022 box is 2” deeper and I think 2” longer. My concern is the 2022 tailgate possibly contacting my 5th wheel prior to seating in the hitch jaws with tailgate in the down position. Being winter I can’t get my 2006 to my 5th wheel to measure my current separation distance. This may not be a concern but if it is, would I be able to use the BandW slider base to insure room between 5th wheel and tailgate and then close tailgate then slide hitch forward to towing position? Also, does the slider keep the 5th wheel pin in the same adjustment range, front to back, in tow position as the fixed position base?

asked by: Mark A

Expert Reply:

If you wanted to use the B and W Companion Slider part # BWRVK3775 in the bed of your 2022 Chevy Silverado 3500 short bed with OEM rail kit you certainly could use the hitch in the slid back position to gain additional clearance to your tailgate when hitching up. The height of the hitch head does not change when sliding forward and back.

That said, we've had the chance to install the fixed hitch version of that hitch part # BWRVK3710 and we didn't find any tailgate clearance issues so I would assume you'd be fine. I attached a review video for more info on this as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C