Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 w/out the Factory Puck System

Published 08/13/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(43)

$699.00

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5039)

$1599.00

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

(5041)

$1699.00

Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 4-Way and 7-Pole Connector - 7' Long

(38)

$82.50

Question:

2023 Chevy 2500HD Diesel with a standard bed. I’m looking to purchase a new fifth wheel camper and will need a hitch. I’d like to have something removable as I use my truck bed when I won’t be camping. Do I need a slider hitch or can I get away without one and still not have to worry about crushing my cab? Any recommendations? Thanks!

asked by: Mike C

Helpful Expert Reply:

If by standard bed you mean 6-3/4' then it is recommended to use a sliding hitch. There's no shortage of people who will tell you you don't need one. However, if you want to safely make tight turns and not have to worry about bashing the back of your cab you're going to want the extra clearance a slider provides.

Unless your 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 has the factory puck system you're going to need to install the B&W Turnoverball System item # BWGNRK1020-5W to have a empty bed when you are not towing. This gooseneck hitch installs below your truck bed and provides you with a mounting point for the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider item # BWRVK3400-5W.

The Companion Slider item # BWRVK3400-5W has a 20,000 lbs capacity and will give you 12" of travel for making tight turns and backing. I am a big fan of the Companion because of the 1" thick dual jaws that give you a 360-degree jaw to kingpin contact. This system minimizes the chucking, jarring and noise that can occur when towing a 5th wheel trailer. This not only provides a more secure connection but also a quieter more comfortable towing experience.

I have linked a couple of installation videos below so you can see how to get these parts set up. If you have any additional questions feel free to email me directly.

If your new truck does have the factory puck system, all you will need is the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package item # BWRVK3775. This drops right into the four pucks in your trucks bed.

To make towing with a 5th wheel easier I recommend adding the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 7' Long item # C58FV. 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. The trucks that come with the factory puck system include this wiring harness.