Is A Sliding Hitch Necessary For A 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 Hauling A 24' Keystone Cougar

Published 07/19/2023

Products Featured in This Question

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

(5035)

$1199.00

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

(5037)

$1699.00

Question:

I have a new 2024 Silverado pulling a 24 foot cougar will a regular hitch work or do I need a slide

asked by: David M

Expert Reply:

With a 6-3/4' bed you would most likely have a decent enough turning radius to tow under normal conditions but if you ever got into a tight spot, like you might when trying to make sharp turns, then a sliding hitch would be needed to prevent the nose of the trailer from hitting the cab of the Silverado.

You can measure to see how much of an angle you can get while turning by completing the following steps:

Get a plumb-bob and attach to the outermost corner of the trailer's nose. Measure over from the plumb-bob to the center of the king pin on the trailer's pin box. Next you'll position the tape measure where the jaws of the hitch would sit (above the axle) and pull the tape out to the measurement you got with the trailer. You can then turn the tape measure to see if it contacts the cab and if it does you can then see how much of an turning angle is possible with your truck.

You have it listed that you have the OEM prep package (puck system) so for this I recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package # BWRVK3775. This sliding hitch has 12" of travel to provide extra turning clearance. If you ever swapped the truck out with one that has a longer bed or to a truck that has a B&W Turnoverball hitch you can always swap out the base and keep the hitch head to minimize the cost.

expert reply by: Kevin C