Recommended 5TH Wheel Hitch System For a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 Short Bed Without Factory Puck/Prep

Updated 10/02/2023 | Published 10/01/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Curt CrossWing Lightweight Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - 20,000 lbs

(12)

$998.95

Demco UMS Series Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for UMS Series Base Rails - 25,000 lbs

(7)

$681.16

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Underbed - 18,000 lbs

(735)

$1995.00

Underbed Rail and Installation Kit for Demco UMS 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer Hitches

(12)

$467.75

Question:

I have a 2021 GMC 2500, SRW, short bed. I dont have rails or a gooseneck ball installed yet, but plan to have one installed soon. Trying to figure out which version of the crosswing is best for my application rails or gooseneck. I like that idea of more offset with the gooseneck, but not sure if its with the extra install cost and if there are any drawbacks to the 9inch offset with the gooseneck, vs the 5inch offset with the rail version.

asked by: Bryan S

Expert Reply:

I have another recommendation for you as I have heard a lot of complaints about the Curt CrossWing # C32DR and the amount of noise it makes. I also do not feel the offset is going to be enough to prevent damage between your truck and trailer when maneuvering.

I recommend going with the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550022 on your 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. This uses the Demco UMS System # DR37FR which places the rails under your bed so you can maintain the clean bed when you are not towing. The Autoslide hitch automatically maneuvers the 5th wheel hitch back up to 14" when you turn to ensure you have more than enough clearance to perform full jackknife turns without contacting your truck cab to the corners on your 5th wheel.

If you ever need to tow a gooseneck trailer you can use their UMS Gooseneck Hitch # DM5988 to drop into the same mounting holes the 5th wheel hitch uses.

The Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness # HM54FR will allow you to install a factory style trailer connector in your bed. The included connector fits the factory style cutout at the rear of your bed.