Forum Discussion

Robertw277's avatar
Robertw277
Explorer
Oct 29, 2017

Fifth wheel hitch purchase

Hello everyone. Looking at purchasing a fifth wheel trailer my question is what is an average height of the fifth wheel hitch? I have a 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Crew cab 4x4 diesel standard box and the trailer looking at buying is Sierra 384QBOK. I have seen sliders that slide 10 to 11 inches and height adjustments 14 to 17 and 15 to 18 inches. My truck is stock ride height. Looking at Reese but want to make sure I get and install the right one. Thanks in advance.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Oct 29, 2017
    A 2500HD isn't enough truck for that fifth wheel by a LONG shot. You'll be way over the rear axle capacity by the time the trailer is loaded (published pin weights are dry weights - calculate 23% of a fifth wheel's GVWR for an estimated pin weight). You need to be asking questions other than hitch first.

    Rob
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Oct 29, 2017
    ^^^^^ Come on! Heck all he needs are a set of bags and 19.5's and it will "Tow Just Fine" !!!

    OP anything B&W or PullRite will do the job and they are US Made, can't say the same for REESE or Curt as they are China.
  • Robertw277's avatar
    Robertw277
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2017
    Hitch weight dry is 2261 truck owners manual states upto 3000 pounds. I have seen this fifth wheel being towed by a ram 2500 asked the owner any problems towing and he said none. Future truck will definitely be 3500.
  • kerrlakeRoo's avatar
    kerrlakeRoo
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2017
    Robertw277 wrote:
    Hitch weight dry is 2261 truck owners manual states upto 3000 pounds. I have seen this fifth wheel being towed by a ram 2500 asked the owner any problems towing and he said none. Future truck will definitely be 3500.

    2261 dry, add for batteries, propane, 60% of the weight of stuff in the basement, and stuff in the truck and by your numbers, your right at the limit.
    But on the hitch B&W seems the favorite.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Oct 29, 2017
    Since OP is not asking about his trucks capability, I agree with earlier post, that B&W, or PullRite, would be best choices in a slider. Many do not use a slider in a standard bed (me included). Newer FWs have rounded corners to avoid cab contact. Not saying it won't happen, you still have to be aware.

    Jerry
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Oct 29, 2017
    All the brands have their fans. And those fans claim theirs is best. But in reality any of the name brands will work fine be it B&W, Reese, Pullrite, Curt, etc.
  • Robertw277's avatar
    Robertw277
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2017
    Not looking to travel the country its for local use 1 1/2 hours away. I know that I'm pushing the towable limits of the truck.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Oct 29, 2017
    Robertw277 wrote:
    Not looking to travel the country its for local use 1 1/2 hours away. I know that I'm pushing the towable limits of the truck.


    If it's unsafe, it's unsafe!!! NO MATTER how short or far you are traveling.
  • Robertw277's avatar
    Robertw277
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2017
    Thanks for the input will hire a towing company to get the trailer to its seasonal campground spot.

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