2018 GMC OEM Hitch System

[allen8106]

Just bought a new 2018 GMC 3500HD with the OEM 5th wheel hitch prep package. Any recommendations for an adapter that allows me to use my current Pro Series 15k hitch? Based my research the only thing I could come up with was the Demco #6206 hitch adapter. I'm a bit nervous about the goose neck hitch hole being the only attachment point to the truck.

Thoughts?

[allen8106]

ksss wrote:

allen8106 wrote:
Just bought a new 2018 GMC 3500HD with the OEM 5th wheel hitch prep package. Any recommendations for an adapter that allows me to use my current Pro Series 15k hitch? Based my research the only thing I could come up with was the Demco #6206 hitch adapter. I'm a bit nervous about the goose neck hitch hole being the only attachment point to the truck.

Thoughts?

I have been using the Curt version of that type of set up in my '18. I pull over 20K using the gooseneck hitch. The adaptor that converts the gooseneck hitch to an RV style rail adaptor I use on my RV I pull 15K or so with no problems. The only minor issue is changing out the adaptor takes a couple minutes and it is heavy but I have no issues with the strength of the setup.

Thanks, I appreciate the input.

[allen8106]

ugeesta wrote:
Hitch adapters will add 2” to the height of your hitch.

The Demco 6206 adds 1/4" height to the hitch. The built in hitch rails sit on top of a 1/4" steel plate.

[ugeesta]

MFL wrote:
I would not spend the money for an adapter, to fit your current hitch. The direct puck mount is great, and B&W makes a really nice hitch to fit your new truck puck system. If you sell current hitch, save the adapter cost, you will have the proper hitch without a big investment.

Jerry

Correct. The 2018 Talon has a top of AC height of 13’4” according to spec and my crude measurement has it at 13’8”. I did replace the stock pin with a Reese Fifth Airborne pin for the Lippart 1621HD chassis which I think raised the trailer 2” or so.

Interestingly enough, the 2019 Talons come in at 13’6”.

[ksss]

allen8106 wrote:
Just bought a new 2018 GMC 3500HD with the OEM 5th wheel hitch prep package. Any recommendations for an adapter that allows me to use my current Pro Series 15k hitch? Based my research the only thing I could come up with was the Demco #6206 hitch adapter. I'm a bit nervous about the goose neck hitch hole being the only attachment point to the truck.

Thoughts?

I have been using the Curt version of that type of set up in my '18. I pull over 20K using the gooseneck hitch. The adaptor that converts the gooseneck hitch to an RV style rail adaptor I use on my RV I pull 15K or so with no problems. The only minor issue is changing out the adaptor takes a couple minutes and it is heavy but I have no issues with the strength of the setup.

[MFL]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

MFL wrote:
I would not spend the money for an adapter, to fit your current hitch. The direct puck mount is great, and B&W makes a really nice hitch to fit your new truck puck system. If you sell current hitch, save the adapter cost, you will have the proper hitch without a big investment.

Jerry

YA know with all this common sense I am thinking about promoting you in the "B&W HeavyWeight FanBoyClub".

Great advice!

Thank you for this consideration! I sure could use a pay upgrade, from what I'm getting now from the FanBoyClub!!

Jerry

[goducks10]

I use a Reese rail adapter for my B&W patriot. It does indeed raise the B&W 2.125" higher. So I lowered my B&W all the way down. 5er is about 1/2" nose high. Good enough for me.
If I didn't have the B&W already and with my 5th wheel prep kit on my 18 I'd opt for the Reese Gooseneck and just go with the ball in the center hole. Much easier and nothing to lift out.

[Cummins12V98]

"X3 for the B&W, comes apart so I can remove it by myself leaving a nice flat bed."

Man you must be a STUD! Many on here just can't manage the two pcs and if they legitimately can't manage it then they claim they have no friends or family that could help. So they buy the "LightWeight" hitch.

[Cummins12V98]

MFL wrote:
I would not spend the money for an adapter, to fit your current hitch. The direct puck mount is great, and B&W makes a really nice hitch to fit your new truck puck system. If you sell current hitch, save the adapter cost, you will have the proper hitch without a big investment.

Jerry

YA know with all this common sense I am thinking about promoting you in the "B&W HeavyWeight FanBoyClub".

Great advice!

[TimnJo]

X3 for the B&W, comes apart so I can remove it by myself leaving a nice flat bed.
I had a short bed truck for 10 years towing various fifth wheels and never needed a slider hitch and the additional weight/complexity, though I had one. I tried it out a few times while backing into my tight driveway, didn't seem to help.

[jaycocamprs]

When I looked at the first of the year I didn't really find much in the way of adapters. Bought a B&W for the GM from etrailer. IMHO money well spent. Much better hitch than the Select 16K we were using.

[MFL]

I would not spend the money for an adapter, to fit your current hitch. The direct puck mount is great, and B&W makes a really nice hitch to fit your new truck puck system. If you sell current hitch, save the adapter cost, you will have the proper hitch without a big investment.

Jerry

[Me_Again]

ugeesta wrote:
Hitch adapters will add 2” to the height of your hitch. I ended up getting a B&W sliding hitch because I have a 2018 standard bed truck and couldn’t afford an additional 2” height as these new trucks sit taller. Currently, the top of my AC sits at 13’8” which is a little tall for my comfort.

If your trailer does not sit as tall then is should be a non issue unless you like to have your trailer ride level.

Congrats on the new truck.

So you are 2" over the max 13' 6" for RV's? Chris

[ugeesta]

Hitch adapters will add 2” to the height of your hitch. I ended up getting a B&W sliding hitch because I have a 2018 standard bed truck and couldn’t afford an additional 2” height as these new trucks sit taller. Currently, the top of my AC sits at 13’8” which is a little tall for my comfort.

If your trailer does not sit as tall then is should be a non issue unless you like to have your trailer ride level.

Congrats on the new truck.