5th Wheel Hitch Fit in 2006 Chevrolet Colorado Short Bed With Existing Hitch Base Rails

Question:

I just bought a short bed truck and it already has bed rails installed. Will this series of slider , pin up to older bed rails ? Or will they need to be changed?

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

The Reese 5th Wheel Square Tube Slider Trailer Hitch # RP30051 is built to industry-standard specs that are observed by most manufacturers. This hitch will fit into industry-standard base rails like those in kit # RP30035, and similar ones from Curt, Draw-Tite, Valley and Husky.

Short bed trucks are not ideal for 5th wheel towing due to the reduced trailer-to-cab clearance that results. You might want to take a look at the linked articles on 5th wheels and Sidewinder pin boxes for more information. A Sidewinder moves the trailer's pivot point back by 22-inches, which gives far more turning clearance than any slider hitch.

expert reply by: Adam R