Universal 5th Wheel Rail Kit for GMC Canyon

Question

Question:

it has been stated by one of your experts that a canyon cannot tow a 5th wheel. because the bed is too narrow. also that no manufacturer makes a kit for 5th wheel instillation. please explain why the width of the bed makes a difference. second If i were able to find a person willing to custom install/weld the hitch bracket to the frame. I did this with a 1994 Mazda b400, and added suspension air bags the 5th wheel i am considering towing is the THE ESCAPE 5.0TA with a 5500 gvwr please be as technical as you can. I am a professional pilot and understand weight and balance

asked by: Harry P

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Expert Reply:

It is correct that no 5th wheel hitch makers offer 5th wheel installation kits for a GMC Canyon and the same is true for the Chevy Colorado, and for the same reason, which is bed size and bed rail height. Since most 5th wheels weigh more than 5500-lbs the auto makers had little incentive to develop the kind of custom 5th wheel kits made for Silverados and Sierras. The best pickup for a 5th wheel is always going to be a long bed, and usually at least a 3/4-ton.

Both the Canyon and Colorado can tow as much as 7K when properly equipped but their small beds mean a 5th wheel would have to use a special pivoting pin box, variously called a Sidewinder, Revolution or Turning Point, which moves the truck/trailer pivot point 22-inches to the rear of the king pin to avoid the pin box hitting the bed rails.

You would have to use a universal base rail kit # RP30035 along with a fixed 5th wheel hitch like # RP30047, and the trailer would have to be equipped with one of the pivoting pin boxes. We offer a Sidewinder pivoting pin box to replace the most popular OEM models, such as a Lippert 1116 which can be replaced with Sidewinder # RP61412.

The linked articles will explain truck selection for 5th wheels and also Sidewinders in greater detail and allow you to check for availability of one to replace your OEM pin box.

expert reply by: Adam R

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