Recommended Automatic Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch And Air Springs For A 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 High C  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Wally,

To determine if the truck can tow the trailer you'd need to subtract your truck's curb weight from its Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR). This information can typically be found in the owner's manual, on the driver's side door jamb, or on a sticker in the glove box. Once you have this number you can compare it to the GVWR of the trailer to see if the truck is capable of safely towing it.

Adding air springs in to help support the suspension would definitely be a good choice. Air springs can be aired up to match your specific load so it makes leveling out the truck and supporting the truck much easier and would be useful if you haul around other heavy loads in the bed or tow other trailers. For a 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 you would need the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs # F2709. Firestone crimps their bags so they can handle a bit rougher terrain and being suspended with the axles hanging without ripping apart. These are also compatible with in-bed hitches, like the factory puck system you referenced.

The only automatic sliding fifth wheel hitch we currently offer is the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Chevrolet/GMC Prep Package - 21K # DM29GV. This hitch along with every other sliding hitch is going to most likely be too heavy for just you to lift on your own. An engine hoist along with the lifting bracket # DM6100 would be needed to get the hitch in and out of the bed by yourself. Since the trailer uses a Gen-Y pin box you would need to install a new capture plate # GY98FR in order for the hitch to properly latch onto the pin box and prevent it from turning in the jaws of the hitch.

You'll also need to check that the GVWR of your specific trailer model doesn't exceed the 21K capacity of the hitch. If it does then let me know and we can look at some alternatives to get you on the road.

expert reply by: Kevin C

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