Assessing a 2016 Sierra 2500HD

Win 007 · May 12, 2020

Hi everybody, I'm brand new here, currently looking at trading in my 2017 f150 for a 2016 Sierra 2500HD and would like some advice if possible. I've got my eye one local and one about 250 miles away. The dealer let me take the local one to look over and drive around for a day, and I noticed that it had a 5th wheel previously installed, the ends of 4 large bolts are still cut off and sticking out of the truck bed 1/2" to 1", and has wide tow mirrors. Both trucks are pretty much identical former work trucks with about 50k miles on them, except the one 250 miles away has standard mirrors, never a 5th wheel on it. Considering the bolts are still stick 1" out of the truck bed (no other owner since the 5th wheel was removed), and the tow mirrors are factory, I will assume it's been towing heavy for most of it's 50k miles. Should this be a consideration for my in the wear and tear department? Thanks for the advice and I look forward to moving over to GM!

ewbldavis · May 12, 2020

Are they cut off, or were the rails simply removed?

Hard to say. I just had a gooseneck ball installed for our 5th wheel. My 2500 is a pavement princess most of the time, so unlikely with 50k that it was all towing. We tow like 3-4 times a year and season camp the rest of the time. If balance of truck seems clean and well kept, I wouldn't over-think it.