How to Measure 5th Wheel Hitch Height for a 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 W/ a Short Bed

Updated 08/13/2024 | Published 08/10/2024

Products Featured in This Question

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

(5039)

$1599.00

Gen-Y Hitch Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for GM OEM Puck Systems - 5" Offset - 25,000 lbs

(145)

$421.92

Question:

We are looking at purchasing and Montana 5th wheel and 3500 GMC Crew Cab Std bed 6.5 ft? bed. Montana web site says hitch height on the Montana 5th wheel is 47inch with 45-49foot range. What does the truck bed height need to bed? Or is it a standard height as long as there is no lift kit? Will I need an auto-slider hitch? Or will the GenY gooseneck with the 5inch offset work?

asked by: William R

Expert Reply:

Ok so in order to determine the correct height setting for your 5th wheel and your GMC Sierra 3500, you'd need to level your setup and measure from the ground to the bottom of the pin box and choose a height setting that gives you the most level ride (17" - 19" for the B&W Companion # BWRVK3400-5W you're looking at).

Keep in mind that we recommend having at least 5-6" of space between the bed rails and your truck/trailer to make sure you don't have any contact between the two.

Since you do have a short bed, you are going to need to use a sliding hitch to give you the clearance you need. The Gen-Y Gooseneck # GY55XR you're referencing would also work and would give you the clearance, but if you're thinking of getting a 5th wheel, a Gooseneck hitch is not going to be compatible.

expert reply by: Bryce D

5th Wheel Measuring Guide
(click to enlarge)

William R.

8/13/2024

Does the truck bed height matter? Ground up to the tailgate with the gate open or down is 40”. The manufacturer say 45” should be the level spot for the 5th wheel. So with the height of the hitch 15-17” won’t that be to high or make the rv tow slanted. Or will it lower some with the tounge weight?

Bryce D.

8/13/2024

@WilliamR Maybe, but maybe not. What you'll need to do to get the right height setting is to measure from the ground to the king pin, then from the ground to your truck bed. Then subtract the second measurement from the first. You need 5"-6" of clearance between bed rail and underside of the 5th wheel, so if you don't have that clearance and cannot adjust hitch/pinion, then yes, your truck is too high.

William R.

8/13/2024

@BryceD So I may have purchased a truck that I can’t use? This is a stock 2023 Chevy 3500? Is GM building trucks stock that will not work to pull 5th wheel trailers? How do I determine this today? I have 59” to the top of the tailgate with it closed.

Bryce D.

8/13/2024

@WilliamR Not necessarily, your truck will squat maybe 2". It might be a good idea to take a look at the Lippert Correct Track system # RR23QX which will give you 2" of trailer lift. Then if you tow 2" nose high you will have 6" of clearance which is fine.