Best Tonneau Cover for a 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 w/ a 6-1/2' Bed and a 5th Wheel Hitch

Updated 10/08/2025 | Published 10/05/2025

Question:

Hi Im looking for a tonneau cover for my 2016 Silverado 3500 single rear wheel 6 1/2 bed. The main things Im looking for are to be able to use my 5th wheel hitch with it in place, to be able to see my hitch when hooking up, and I would like it to be as was water tight as reasonably possible. Thanks.

asked by: John G

Expert Reply:

Hey John, thanks for the information! The Pace Edwards Full-Metal JackRabbit Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover item # 311-M-FMC95A17 you were looking at is going to be your best option. When it's fully retracted you'll see all but the last 10" of your bed closest to your cab. This cover includes drain tubes that funnel water from the canister out through hole in your bed.

The Pace Edwards item # 311-M-FMC95A17 has silicon seals that keep water from seeping in through the cover, foam seals that install along the frame where it connects to your bed, and a large tailgate seal that keeps water from going in between the tailgate and the cover.

The one thing I am concerned about with this style of cover is the height of your 5th wheel hitch when it's installed. I have your bed sides being 21" above the bottom of the bed and the item # 311-M-FMC95A17 is going to sit flush with the top of the bed sides. How tall is the top of the hitch from the bottom of the bed?

You can add this information and any other questions you have where it says Reply to Jerred H and I'll be happy to answer them.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Pace Edwards
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John G.

10/7/2025

I don't have the truck here at the moment to check, but the hitch is a b&w patriot 18k.

Jerred H.

10/7/2025

@JohnG It looks like a B&W Patriot Slider item # BW27XR measures 17" to 19" tall when installed on 5th wheel rails depending on what setting you have it on. You should be good but I recommend confirming when you get a chance.

John G.

10/7/2025

@JerredH Thanks for checking, I'll measure it to confirm. What Is the difference between the cover you suggested and something like the 311-KRC95A17 Which is a little cheaper and also rack compatible? I see that this model appears to be vinyl covered but is there anything else?

Jerred H.

10/8/2025

@JohnG You're welcome! The item # 311-KRC95A17 has a vinyl top over item # 311-M-FMC95A17, which is all aluminum. The aluminum one is going to hold up and age better. If you're wanting to save some money and don't need the rails, the Pace Edwards JackRabbit item # 311-M-JRC95A17 has the same vinyl construction.