Recommended Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500

Question

Question:

I have a 15 Silverado 2500HD 6.0 gas short bed with curt double lock goose neck and I have the 5th wheel adapter plate. Says I can pull 14,800 with 5th wheel hitch I will be towing a 2007 Dutchmen 35RB Monte Vista. Gross 15k camper empty 12k. Family of 6 whole family 750-800 in cab with incidentals shoot for 800lb. I would be more comfortable with a 18k hitch however worried about weight. Open to any and all suggestions already came close to cab in a moderate turn I live in the mountains of Va and plan to travel west. 1. Would a 16k hitch work? 2. Is auto slide better than a manual? 3. Would a sidewinder pin box be a better option. 4. Need to get more height above bed rails current 5in space but very close in elevation shifts ideas welcomed. 6. What’s lightest setup I can get.

asked by: Adam D

0

Expert Reply:

A 16,000 lbs 5th wheel hitch would be perfect for your 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500. Since your truck has the gas engine you're no where near having an 18,000 lbs capacity so paying for a hitch that has one is unnecessary.

Since you have the Curt Double Lock item # C611-624 and it sounds like you also have the Curt X5 5th-Wheel Base Rail Adapter Plate item # C16220, I recommend the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider item # C16521. This 5th wheel hitch has a 16,000 lbs capacity and the slider function will give you 12" of travel from front to back. This hitch has a interlocking two jaw system that will provide 360 degree jaw to kingpin contact.

Autosliding hitches like the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch item # DM8550034 are way nicer and more convenient than a manual slider but they can not be used with adapter plates like the Curt X5 item # C16220. They have to attach directly to 5th wheel rails or an OEM puck system.

A sidewinder pin box would be another option. I don't think it would be a better one manufacturers are moving away from them. If you went this route I would need you to email me the sticker on the side of your current pin box. It'll have a serial number and an RPO number.

I am surprised to hear you need more height with the adapter plate being used. The Curt A16 item # C16521 is adjustable between 17-1/2" - 21-1/2" tall.

The Curt A16 item # C16521 weighs 197 lbs which for a sliding hitch is pretty light. The Demco item # DM8550034 weighs close to 300 lbs.

Hope this answers all of your questions. If you think of any additional ones feel free to email me directly.

To make towing with a 5th wheel easier I recommend adding the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness item # C56000. This harness puts a 7-way connector in the bed of your truck and allows you to keep the one on your bumper. This makes hooking up to your 5th wheel trailer easier and more convenient.