Fifth wheel help

[hvacrMech]

I recently purchased my new truck

2017 GMC Sierra 1500 sle

5.3 with 3.42

Crew cab with 6.6ft standard box

 

Looking for advice

Purchased a used camping trailer from a friend, it is a lighter and smaller style fifth wheel

1995 shadow cruiser 24' fifth wheel

Nameplate weight is 4500lbs

Will only be making a few trips per summer locally with trailer(within 100km)

 

Also purchased a lightly used Reese pro series 15k hitch with universal mounting kit

 

Does anyone have instructions for mounting the universal kit in a 2017 ?

 

And also, I did do research to make sure my truck could safely tow this trailer, but any opinions on this would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[hvacrMech]

Figured I'd share a pic too

 

 

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[hvacrMech]

Can a moderator maybe move this thread to the general 1500 forum? it might get more traffic

 

 

 

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[sdeeter19555]

Should be able to get the installation instructions from Reese.

 

Is it a universal kit, or one specific for the truck? Either one may require a new hardware kit since some of the bolts are splined and press in.

 

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[hvacrMech]

Thanks, that's a good idea, I'll try contacting Reese about the install

My main problem is that I don't know the measurement needed to properly lay out where the brackets need to go. I know it's over the axle but it seems that with most kits, they give you a measurement from end of bed back to your drilling location.

 

 

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[sdeeter19555]

Yeah, and centerline of the hitch is not much forward of the axle...3/4" maybe? It's not much.

 

If it's a model-specific bracket, you have to be pretty close since they reuse existing frame holes...the universal is a little more forgiving since they expect you to drill the holes in most cases.

 

Reese should be able to give you all the paperwork...the hardware would be the big hangup.

 

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[sdeeter19555]

Try looking on eTrailer .com, they have most hitches, and sometimes post the install instructions.

 

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[hvacrMech]

 

 

Tech support at etrailer helped me find the correct instructions

25 1/8" is the measurement I was looking for

Thanks for the help!

 

 

 

 

 

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[sdeeter19555]

That's interesting that they center over the rear axle...both my Dodge install (a Reese) and my current 2012 (a Curtis) have the centerline just ahead of dead center...must be a new thinking.

 

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[idnative1948]

To the OP. Did your friend tow it with a 6.6 bed, or 8 foot? Wouldn't want to see you wrap the front of the 5vr around the cab of your truck.