Determining Safe 5TH Wheel Towing Capacity On a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD High Country

Published 10/06/2023

Products Featured in This Question

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

(5319)

$1699.00

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Chevrolet/GMC Prep Package - 18K

(735)

$1940.00

Question:

I have a 2020 Silverado HD High Country, specs from sticker: GVWR: 11350lbs GCWR: 27500lbs RGAWR: 6600lbs Curb Weight: 8283lbs Max Payload: 3067lbs Conventional TWR: 18500lbs Max Tongue Weight: 1850lbs Gooseneck TWR: 18500lbs Max Tongue Weight: 2775lbs My question is how much hitch weight in a fifth wheel am I safe to pull?

asked by: Walt

Expert Reply:

According to the information you listed your maximum tongue weight for a 5th wheel is going to be 2,775lbs which is the same amount as the gooseneck tongue weight. Do understand this can vary slightly depending on how your vehicle is loaded and any additional passengers weight. Since your curb weight is 8,283lbs and if you add the full payload that will put you at 11,058lbs. That only leaves 292lbs for any passengers and additional gear in your truck. So if you carry 600lbs of gear and passengers including the driver this will leave you with 2,467lbs for a maximum tongue weight for your 5th wheel. Also remember to account for the weight of your 5th wheel hitch. As I saw you found the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch # BWRVK3775 do understand this hitch weighs 251lbs which must also be accounted for in your tongue weight.

If you do have a short bed with the puck system on your 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD I recommend looking at the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch # DM79GV. This will drop into the factory mounting points and moves the 5th wheel back up to 14" as you turn to ensure you do not have to get out to slide the hitch back just to make tight maneuvers while driving. If you have a long bed or don't have the factory puck system please let me know so I can help you determine all the hitch equipment you will need so you can account for the correct amount of 5th wheel you can safely pull.

expert reply by: Bud M