Standard Bed 5th Wheel Hitch

[2020-2500]

Who here has put a fifth wheel hitch in their standard bed?  I don't have the factory puck system so I need to install the traditional rail system.  My understanding is that the puck system is about 2" offset from the axle, whereas all of the install instructions I find for aftermarket curt hitches show them installed directly above the axle.  Curious to know if I would need a sliding hitch in that case, of if I can get away with a standard hitch.  We'll be towing a camper.

 

Any information about your experiences would be helpful.

[dlockwood26]

I use a B&W Companion with the puck system. The gooseneck ball is placed two inches behind the axle. However using the pucks with my B&W the pivot point is directly over the axle.  Most new campers allow for better turning radius with curved fronts and extended king pins. I still watch very close as I could put my camper into the cab especially backing up and jack knifing. . 

Edited August 20, 2020 by dlockwood26

[Alan Juden]

On 8/19/2020 at 2:03 PM, 2020-2500 said:

Who here has put a fifth wheel hitch in their standard bed?  I don't have the factory puck system so I need to install the traditional rail system.  My understanding is that the puck system is about 2" offset from the axle, whereas all of the install instructions I find for aftermarket curt hitches show them installed directly above the axle.  Curious to know if I would need a sliding hitch in that case, of if I can get away with a standard hitch.  We'll be towing a camper.

 

Any information about your experiences would be helpful.

@2020-2500, I'm getting the B&W turnover ball added to my 2020 Chevrolet 3500 srw next Wednesday. I also don't have the factory puck system in my truck. I called around to a few places and most seemed like it was going to cost just under $1,000 to get this done. I found a local place that a friend owns that is going to get me done between $800 - $900. I'm preparing for getting a bigger toy hauler most likely next spring (or if a great deal comes up over the winter) so I want my truck ready. I'm intending to get a Reese Goosebox for my trailer because I like the idea of not having to pull out a giant hitch from my bed every time I go to use it.

[DeadManWalkin]

I have the factory puck system and went with the Anderson Ultimate 5th wheel hitch. It connects to the truck by using an extended gooseneck ball. The hitch itself only weighs 40lbs and I can get a full 90 degree turn with the standard bed truck. 

[rmsmis]

I don't have the puck system either, but have been thinking about the B&W companion system for when we do upgrade to a 5th wheel.  Since I have a 2500 standard bed, do any of you that already have 5th wheels feel that it would be okay to go with the normal 5th wheel hitch with a modern style 5th wheel trailer, or would those of us with a standard beds need to go the sliding hitch route?

[Njmurvin]

I have the factory puck system on mine with the Andersen Ultimate hitch like DeadManWalkin described above. Besides the lighter weight of the AUH, it also provides up to about 9" of offset away from the truck cab. So, whatever type hitch you get installed (e.g. standard rails, gooseball, etc.), the AUH can give you up to 9" more clearance to the cab.  That said, you also have to be aware of the length of your trailer's pin box. That same offset can create clearance issues to the tailgate and/or bedrails (sides) if your pin box is too long. In that case, you would configure the AUH installation resulting in less offset.  With my standard bed truck, I have plenty of clearance to the cab even with an older style fifth wheel that doesn't have the cutouts on the sides.