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Is The Placement OF GM's OEM Puck System Supposed To Sit Behind The Axle  

Question:

I just bought a 2024 Chevy 2500 HD and noticed the fifth wheel prep puck system is not directly over the rear axle but slightly behind. is this because the hitches set more forward or is the factory placement wrong? I have not purchased my hitch yet so not sure of the weight distribution. I pull a 41 ft Coulmbus fifth wheel.

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Expert Reply:

Hey Jerry,

GM moved the placement of their puck systems starting with 2020 models so you are correct that the pucks would have the hitch not sit directly over the axle. GM did the math and made sure that this placement wouldn't adversely affect your towing ability so it's totally fine as is. Moving the weight towards the front of the truck helps distribute the weight between the the front and rear axles, whereas being behind the rear axle and closer to the tailgate will place more weight on the rear axle.

For the trailer hitch I recommend going with a B&W Companion as they are the best when it comes to reliability and ride quality. We have a few different options based on weight and bed length. If you have a short bed you'll want a slider base to give yourself some adjustability to make tight turns without having the nose of the trailer hitch the truck cab.

6-3/4' Bed:
20,000lb Capacity # BWRVK3775

8' Bed:
20,000lb Capacity # BWRVK3710
25,000lb Capacity # BWRVK3715

expert reply by:
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Kevin C
B&W Companion OEM Pivot Arm Placement
B&W Companion OEM Pivot Arm Placement
(click to enlarge)
Jerry profile picture

Jerry

4/8/2024

Thats what im saying. My hitch placement is slightly behind the axle not in front of it

Mike profile picture

Mike

9/28/2024

Kevin isn’t the standard box on a 2500hd gmc 82.25 inches. I am trying to decide if I need the slider. On my previous vehicle 2011 Denali the bed was 79.4 inches long and with the hitch centered over the axle I would hit the back of the truck. Needed about two more inches. So if gmc pick system a little back of center and the box length is 82.25 I would gain about 4 inches which would provide clearance. Am I missing something. Thanks

KevinC profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Kevin C.

9/30/2024

@Mike You would also need to check how the specific hitch sits in the bed. Even if the pucks aren't center the hitch could be designed to have the jaws still sit over the center of the hitch. With an OEM Companion the jaws of the hitch would either sit 2" behind the axle or directly over the axle depending on how you install the pivot arms. I'm going to attach a picture above showing how the pivot arms can be installed. You can measure to see if you'll clear the cab when making a 90 degree turn though. You'll need to tape a plumb bob to the outermost corner of the nose of the trailer and then measure from the plumb bob to the center of the king pin on the pin box. You can then take the measurement and set your tape measure over the center of the axle. If the tape measure touches the cab while turning it then you know the trailer will as well. If you're off by 2" installing the pivot arms so that they're angled towards the tailgate can give you 2" of extra clearance.
MikeM profile picture

Mike M.

9/30/2024

@KevinC Do the instructions show how to install the pivot arm towards the tailgate and is that ok to do. I pickup my truck today
KevinC profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Kevin C.

9/30/2024

@MikeM The OEM bases unfortunately only have the two sets of mounting holes instead of extra ones that the Turnoverball bases have to adjust the pivot arms out more. With a GM system you'd only be able to mount the pivot arms so that the jaws were either directly over the axle or 2" in behind of the axle (towards the tailgate). You'd want to copy the left side of the diagram to mount your pivot arms for more clearance. It's fine to this but you'd be leveraging more weight behind the axle and would likely see a bit more sag. If the sag becomes a problem then that's when you could look into some suspension enhancement like jounce springs or air bags to help level the tow vehicle back out and cushion your suspension.
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