Gooseneck Hitch Recommendation for 1996 GMC Topkick Lo-Pro with 12Ft Bed

Updated 08/23/2014 | Published 08/22/2014

Question:

I have a 1996 GMC topkick lo-pro with a 12foot bed and would like to set it up to tow a goose neck trailer, thank you for any and all assistance

asked by: Al S

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to my contact at Curt, you could use the Gooseneck Flat Plate, # C65500, and mount it directly to the bed, assuming the bed is at least 1/4 inch thick steel, on your 1996 GMC TopKick Lo-Pro. In order to mount the flat plate to the bed you will need to use at least six 1/2 inch Grade 5 mounting bolts. By using this installation method, he can not guaranty the exact weight capacity but it should be close to 20,000 pounds.

Since there are no custom rails available for your truck, you could use the Curt Universal Gooseneck Ball Rail Kit, # C61502, in conjunction with the Gooseneck Flat Plate, # C65500, to increase your weight capacity. This kit will install under the bed to the frame rails and give the extra reinforcement that is needed to increase the capacity. This kit was not designed for your truck so modifications will have to be made. Another option would be to have someone fabricate a pair of rails for you.

I do recommend that you measure the distance from the center of your rear axle to the right corner of the bed of your TopKick. In order to safely make turns while towing, the distance between the trailer's gooseneck coupler and the closest part of the trailer needs to be at least 4 to 5 inches longer than the center axle/corner bed measurement.

expert reply by: Leah S