Hi all,We are in the market for a TV to haul a Grand Designs 311BHS fifth wheel. A close friend is selling their Sierra 2500 Denali that was equipped to tow a travel trailer. I'm wondering what the difference is between having an aftermarket fifth wheel hitch setup on that vs finding a used vehicle that has the factory prep kit. I read that one potential advantage to the factory prep is that when the hitch is out of the bed, nothing is sticking up...but that maybe those are also available aftermarket. Also the GMC marketing page for the kit implies that the factory prep is stronger and provides a better towing experience. I'd prefer to buy my friend's vehicle, as I know it has been very well cared for (and it's an easy transaction), but not if I'm making a big sacrifice in terms of towing/convenience/utility.

You really want the dealer installed puck system. I'm not familiar with the GM version but I assume it's like the Ford system. You get a flat bed when the hitch is out, and it takes 5 minutes of so to install remove the hitch. You do not want to mess around with in the bed rails.

People used rail mounted 5th wheel hitches for many years. If you put a lot of things in and out of your bed you might want to put some plywood down to make things level with the rails. I wouldn't let this be a deciding factor.

People used rail mounted 5th wheel hitches for many years. If you put a lot of things in and out of your bed you might want to put some plywood down to make things level with the rails. I wouldn't let this be a deciding factor.So people used a horse and buggy for even longer, so what? The grand dad did it scheme doesn't mean it's better.

10 years ago when we first started with a 5er I went with a B&W turnball install and a Companion 5th wheel hitch. When the hitch removed I have a smooth bed.When I upgraded truck and 5er I couldn't find a truck that had the factory installed puck system and met the other requirements we wanted. Found one that met everything but so had a B&W turnball install.You didn't mention the year of your friends truck but I believe a dealer can install the factory puck system on years that they were available in.

I don't think the factory prep kit is any stronger than a set of custom rails. With either setup you're attaching the hitch directly to the truck frame. My truck didn't come with factory prep so I installed rails, and they don't bug me. In fact they make handy tiedown points. I'd do whichever costs less but that's just my approach.

Sierra 2500 fifth wheel hitch - factory prep vs aftermarket

jerem0621
Explorer II
Apr 03, 2020
I’d buy the one that is a Dually. JMHO.

Yea I know that single rear wheels have xxxx payload etc etc. I’d still skip it and get a dually.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
ACZL
Explorer
Apr 01, 2020
Me Again wrote:
What ^^^^^ Russ said. Chris

Times 3
IdaD
Explorer
Apr 01, 2020
mtbfamily wrote:
Here are the 2017 4x4 Crew cab short bed Denali payload numbers:

2500 gas. 2500 diesel. 3500 diesel.
2943lb 2513lb 3927lb

That's why I am asking about 2500 w/suspension mods vs 3500.

In most cases a 2500 with suspension mods is a 3500. In some cases a 2500 without suspension mods is a 3500.

If you can get a better deal on a 2500 I'd buy it and throw bags or Timbrens it if necessary. There's no functional difference at the end of the day.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Mar 31, 2020
What ^^^^^ Russ said. Chris
rhagfo
Explorer III
Mar 31, 2020
mtbfamily wrote:
Here are the 2017 4x4 Crew cab short bed Denali payload numbers:

2500 gas. 2500 diesel. 3500 diesel.
2943lb 2513lb 3927lb

That's why I am asking about 2500 w/suspension mods vs 3500.

Far better off with a 350/3500 to start with, than to put bandaids on a 250/2500.
mtbfamily
Explorer
Mar 31, 2020
Here are the 2017 4x4 Crew cab short bed Denali payload numbers:

2500 gas. 2500 diesel. 3500 diesel.
2943lb 2513lb 3927lb

That's why I am asking about 2500 w/suspension mods vs 3500.
opnspaces
Navigator II
Mar 31, 2020
mtbfamily wrote:
Hello again everyone. So it turns out that my friend's Sierra 2500 gasser doesn't have the payload I need. I've read some people solving that with suspension mods like Roadmaster Active Suspension, Timbren, and/or air bags. I don't know anything about those.

The fifth wheel we want to buy is 11k empty and 14k GVWR. We want a crew cab, short bed, 4x4, and a nice, quiet(ish), comfortable interior for the 4 of us (like the Denali package from GM). I'm also now thinking I would prefer diesel since this be used primarily for towing in the west and just occasionally for picking up large things nearby home.

So, I'd love people's perspective on:
- 2500 D-max with suspension mods vs a 3500?
- What should I know about the different model years?
- What are the comparable Ram, Chevy, Ford trims and years that I should be considering?

Wow, proof that at least somebody read the forum before buying a truck. :) Just curious what is the payload for the Denali?

I think you'll find that unfortunately the comfortable package adds weight which subtracts payload.
mtbfamily
Explorer
Mar 31, 2020
Hello again everyone. So it turns out that my friend's Sierra 2500 gasser doesn't have the payload I need. I've read some people solving that with suspension mods like Roadmaster Active Suspension, Timbren, and/or air bags. I don't know anything about those.

The fifth wheel we want to buy is 11k empty and 14k GVWR. We want a crew cab, short bed, 4x4, and a nice, quiet(ish), comfortable interior for the 4 of us (like the Denali package from GM). I'm also now thinking I would prefer diesel since this be used primarily for towing in the west and just occasionally for picking up large things nearby home.

So, I'd love people's perspective on:
- 2500 D-max with suspension mods vs a 3500?
- What should I know about the different model years?
- What are the comparable Ram, Chevy, Ford trims and years that I should be considering?
mtbfamily
Explorer
Mar 28, 2020
Ok awesome, thank you!
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Mar 28, 2020
Depends on the trailers front corner profile. Newer trailers have the rounded/notched from corners made for short bed trucks.
Also GM trucks C/A (cab to axle) is longer and many owners find a std hitch works fine even with older trailers.
My son pulls a 34' rear bunk model with a 2015 chevy and now a 2018 2500 GMC crew cab Z71 Dmax/A with a non sliding hitch.

Several top quality rv type std 5th wheel hitches out here.

And two light weight (40-60 lbs) 5th wheel hitch systems like the Andersen or look alike PullRite SuperLite series. They all have websites so do your home work on what you want.