2021 GMC 2500 5th wheel Question

Bluegill · 04-03-2021, 05:55 AM

I would like to know if my new 2021 GMC 2500 with the puck system and 6 1/2 ft bed needs a slider 5th wheel hitch. I have a 2018 26.5 RLDS. I currently have a 2009 Silverado 2500 with the 6 1/2 ft bed and have a 5th wheel without a slider. It clears the cab and works great. The hitch suppliers recommend the slider but it is more expensive and I would prefer not to spend the extra if I don't need the slider.
Thanks

Dbunke · 04-03-2021, 06:29 AM

I would measure from the hitch center to the cab on your 2009 and do the same on the 2021. That should tell you if you have the same clearance. On my 2015 the hitch is closer to the cab than my 2004 was.

Toolguy5 · 04-03-2021, 12:54 PM

Does your 2021 GMC have a 6’10” bed or the 6’6” bed?

I have a 2020 3500HD GMC with the puck systems with no slider. No issues.

Ringneks · 04-03-2021, 01:47 PM

As tool guy said you should not need one, these new trucks2020/2021 they made the bed longer and move the hitch back towards the tailgate.

Bluegill · 04-03-2021, 03:41 PM

Thanks. I don’t have the 2021 yet but the specs say it’s a 6’10” bed.

buggyman20 · 04-14-2021, 08:07 PM

I have a 2021 gmc 2500hd slt. Standard bed with puck system. I have a B&W companion non slider with no problems. Any questions you have can be emailed to etrailer. They are very good.

WV Camper · 04-15-2021, 10:24 AM

I have the same size bed on my 2020 3500. I have the B&W companion hitch' and a 2021 Eagle 321 RSTS with no slider hitch. I have not tried to go all the way to 90° but I have been very close to that. In addition, I talked to B&W and they told me that because of the puck system being a little bit behind the axle on the new GM pick ups, that with a slider they were having people call them saying that the pin box on the trailer was hitting the tailgate so I would caution you to be careful if you do put a slider in there. I have had a slider in the past and it is so much nicer now to not have to fool around with all that.

McEagle · 04-16-2021, 03:43 PM

I have a 2020 Chev 2500 with the 6'10" bed and use a Pullrite #4500 auto slider pulling a 2021 Eagle 336FBOK. It works good and I don't have to worry about busting out my rear window.

Bluegill · 04-21-2021, 02:15 PM

Thanks for the replies. I got the new truck this week and decided to get BW without the slider based on all your input. Sounds like I’ll be good.

nynethead · 04-29-2021, 07:13 AM

i have a 2020 chevy 2500HD with puck system and standard bed and do not us a slider hitch

coopermj · 05-02-2021, 08:58 AM

Just would like to say thanks to all of you that contributed to this thread.

I have a 2021 GMC 2500HD with standard bed and have a 32RLTS scheduled to come off line on 5/21. I've been sweating bullets on what hitch to buy (standard or slider).

Based on what I've read here and also with a conversation with B&W, I'm going to go with the standard hitch.

You have taken a big load off my shoulders and if does not work out, there will be blame (only myself!!). Of course, I could always blame it on Mr. Murphy. You know, the Mr. Murphy of Murphy's law??

Thanks again.

MC
Bear, DE.

nynethead · 05-02-2021, 02:41 PM

i purchased the GM curtis 20K hitch directly from chevy they were actually offering 15% off and free shipping to the dealer

Toolguy5 · 05-02-2021, 02:52 PM

I was just in a tight spot and had to hitch up on an angle because the ground was to soft. I was almost had a complete 90 degrees. I did not hit the cab.

Danolamo · 05-03-2021, 02:21 AM

I have had 5 5th wheels in the past 17 years towed them with a short bed GMC 2500HD with a standard Reese 14k hitch never had a problem, I have a Reese 16k slider but I’ve never used the slide , I would say you just have to watch close and use common sense, I think you will be fine with the non slider , Dan

Bluegill · 05-13-2021, 04:44 AM

Thanks to everyone for the help. I have the new 2021 GMC2500 with the standard bed now and installed the B&W into the puck system without the slider. Installed it in the position that sits the hitch closest to the rear of the truck. I have plenty of clearance to the cab with the 26.5 RLDS. Actually about 2 inches more than with the old truck 2009 2500. I initially set the height to the 2nd hole but have clearance to drop it to the lowest setting and will do that now to get more level.

Jbrusie · 05-14-2021, 09:38 AM

I have the 2021 GMC Duramax, no need for the slider IMO.

hyperactive · 05-14-2021, 05:22 PM

I was wandering if the bed rails on the 2021 are higher than the last generation body style on the 2500/3500's.In other words to get the proper clearance between the truchkand camper would the fifth wheel need to be higher in the front or nose high.

Bluegill · 05-16-2021, 04:54 AM

On my new 2021 GMC 2500, the bed rail height is the same as my 2009 2500. However the 2021 sets about 3 inches higher overall with the 20 inch tires. I have the BW hitch set at the lowest setting which still puts me about 4-4 1/2 inches higher than my 2009 2500 with the drawtite hitch.

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