5th Wheel Hitch Recommendations...

MustBeNice · November 4, 2013

I purchsed our new (to us) truck with towing a 5th wheel camper in mind. The truck is a 2009 Chevrolet 2500HD LT Crew, with the 6.0L / 6-Speed Auto, factory brake controller and 6.5' box. We plan to find a 27-30' camper (this coming winter - spring) and tandem / train either our 4 wheelers or a boat behind. We'll likely be towing this seup 6-10 times a year within a 2-300 mile radius from home.

So, without knowing the exact specs of the 5th wheel we intend to purchase, I figured I'd shoot high on the hitch ratings to allow for ease of tow ratings and/or future camper upgrading. I've been looking at this hitch, and wanted input: http://www.etrailer.com/multi-product.aspx?pc1=PS30121&pc2=RP56004-53&hhmake=Chevrolet&hhmodel=Silverado&hhyear=2009&vehicleid=200915168&hunter=5w

Am I on the right track...... or do I need to look at something different?

Thanks for any and all thoughts!

Matt (MustBeNice)

scooby5121 · November 4, 2013

Check out your combined vehichle length in your state, I am from Ontario,Canada and there is a length restriction here.

You might want to find a small boat

MustBeNice · November 4, 2013

Minnesota has a 65' max length law. Gennerally it will be the ATV's behind the 5W Camper on the pup trailer.

GMC21 · November 8, 2013

I think that hitch would be more than enough.

I have a 36' fifth wheel and have the base model reese 15k fixed, bar type hitch. I have never been in a situation where I needed anything different. If the camper is a newer model (last 5 years), it will more than likely have an extended pin box and radius corners. I think I could make mine hit, but I would be cranked right around if it did.

If you opt to not buy this package, I have a set of the custom mounting plates from my 2009 2500HD - same truck as you have now. You can have them if you pay for their ride to you (from 05651). You would still need a hitch, the plate mounting kit, the rails, and the rail mounting kit.

MustBeNice · November 8, 2013

I think that hitch would be more than enough.

I have a 36' fifth wheel and have the base model reese 15k fixed, bar type hitch. I have never been in a situation where I needed anything different. If the camper is a newer model (last 5 years), it will more than likely have an extended pin box and radius corners. I think I could make mine hit, but I would be cranked right around if it did.

If you opt to not buy this package, I have a set of the custom mounting plates from my 2009 2500HD - same truck as you have now. You can have them if you pay for their ride to you (from 05651). You would still need a hitch, the plate mounting kit, the rails, and the rail mounting kit.

Wow, Thanks!!!I'll keep that in mind, than I could just but the cheaper universal kit and use (your graciously offered) frame brackets.... correct?

We actually went and looked at a couple campers last night at an RV show. Found one we really liked (2010 Rockwood, rear double slide living room, sleeps 6, very very clean condition @ $19.9k ). But on the other hand we didn't want to spend that on the first camper, just to make sure we truely enjoy the recreation. Anyway, the Dealer said I wouldn't need a slider hitch with the 6.5 box (is this true??), and that the 2500HD was an excellent choice and would/should pull any 5W just fine. Currently thinking I should wait on a hitch till we are ready to buy this coming spring though!! Also talked to him about converting to a gooseneck and getting a B&W Turnover ball.... he said that was easy also and a good "all-round" solution also.

To many choices....

GMC21 · November 8, 2013

That's correct. I believe the universal kit will come with the rails and mounting hardware for the rails. You would still need to the nuts and bolts for mountihg the custom plates. I'll look to be sure I don't still have them, but I don't think I do. Not a bad idea to use new hardware anyway. I traded my 2009 for an 2011, and the plates would not work (frame was changed) which is the only reason I am not using these.

It's good to just go walk thru a bunch of campers - you will get a feel for what you like and don't like. This fifth wheel is our 3rd RV, we love it. Our kids are 6 and 10 and they really enjoy camping like this. I'm on my 3rd 2500HD, as well. They are a good towing vehicle, as far as I'm concerned. I did put air bags in mine as the pin weight of this camper is about 1800lbs. - total is just under 10K empty. It did fine before, but rides better with the air bags. I would love a diesel, but for the amount we tow, I can't justify it. Your truck will do the job!

I have not needed a slider hitch, but I do pay attention to the clearance between the cap of the camper and the cab of the truck. It's only an issue when I am cranked way around and not on level ground. My camper does have radius corners on the cap and an extended pin box, but both those thing are something almost all fifth wheels will have if it's not more that 5 or 6 years old. I tow often with another family who has the same truck as we do, but with a slider - he has never used the slider with two different campers. In fact, messing around with it in his driveway he realized that if he slid the hitch all the way back, that the when turning, the pinbox will make contact with his tailgate.

Converting to to a gooseneck hitch is a well decated topic. A great RV forum is http://www.rv.net/forum/. You can read plenty on this conversion there. I believe converting to a gooseneck put more strain on the RV pinbox area and becuase Lippert (builder of most RV frames) has had problems in the pinbox area, I would shy away from the conversion. Don't let me talk you out of it, just do some research before making up your mind. The dealer will tell you just about anything to sell the unit to you - just keep that in mind.

MustBeNice · November 8, 2013

True.... salesman will tell you what you want to hear and whatever will help the sale! I really appreciate your advise, as I feel an RV Greenhorn like myself can learn more from a individual that has towed them vs. the salesman looking for the next dollar.

Our kids ar almost 5 (girl) and 8 (boy). This summer we did a lot of tenting and atving.... it's now time to throw the 5W into the mix! Don't want a toy hauler though, as we want to set up camp and still have the truck to tow the atv's to the trail head when it isn't near by / on site. We like state parks and what they have to offer when we aren't riding.... but here in MN they don't allow te use of atv's. So we want the dual purpose of a 5W acamper and pup trailer. Then when we just want to camp and leave the atv's at home for the week/weekend we still have a nice (cozy) camper with out folding punks and a cargo door..... and the smell of gas (mainly!!)

I'll deffinetly keep the brackets in mind for the shipping cost, that would be a great help to get us started a little cheaper not to mention if we don't need the slider and can save a few hundred there too.

Thanks again for all your thoughts, input and incite!!

GMC21 · November 12, 2013

We must have similar interests! Both my kids are girls, but both have their own toys (atvs, dirtbike, snowmachines). I enjoy watching them ride just as much, if not more than riding myself. We have to go to NH to mix camping and riding, VT sucks as far as that goes.

I find that camping is some of our best family time. Part way thru the winter, it's neat to hear the kids talking about the places that want to go back to and the things they want to do again when we can get the camper back out!

Feel free to ask any questions that come up in your search - like you said - the best advice I have recieved over the years has been from others who have been doing this a while.