5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2002 Chevy Silverado 1500 HD Crew Cab

Updated 10/07/2014 | Published 10/06/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Base Legs for Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 16K, 18K & 20K

(50)

$113.30

Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(217)

$736.95

Question:

I am trying to find a 5th wheel assembly to attach to some rails already in the bed of my pickup. These rails only have two mounting slots on each rail. All the rails I have seen have three. the rectangular slot spacing on mine 10 inches and 20 1/2 inches. I tried putting a friends 14,000 lb reese in mine yesterday but the slots dont match up. Any idea what may fit mine? thanks for any help

asked by: Paul P

Expert Reply:

Thanks for providing a picture of your base rails in your 2002 Chevy Silverado 1500 HD. Based on your measurements of 10-inches and 20-1/2 inches hole to hole and 22-inches on the width, it looks like you have industry standard rails. These rails work with Curt, Valley, Draw-Tite, Hidden-Hitch and Reese base rails.

I called our contact at Reese and they mentioned the 14,000 pound hitch would require needing 22-inches on center for spacing. This could be the reason why your friends 14,000 pound Reese didn't match up correctly.

If you have a truck bed length of 6 feet the 5th wheel hitch I recommend, and the most popular for your 2002 Chevy Silverado is Reese 5th wheel hitch # RP30075. It has a gross towing capacity of 16,000 pounds, and has a sliding hitch to provide additional clearance for short bed trucks. A slider is perfect for short-bed trucks, this fifth-wheel trailer hitch has a slider that moves the hitch and king pin 10-inches closer to the tailgate to increase turning clearance.

If you have a truck be size of 8 feet the 5th wheel hitch I recommend is Curt Q16 5th wheel trailer hitch # C16120. This hitch offers a two-piece jaw on this 5th wheel trailer hitch that inhibits rattle and movement by securely wrapping around your trailer's king pin, resulting in easier hookup and a safer, quieter ride. This 5th wheel hitch has a gross towing capacity of 16,000 pounds.

I have included FAQ and installation videos for you as well.

expert reply by: Chris B