Can a 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax Safely Tow a 16K 5th Wheel Trailer
Question:
I have a 2018 2500 HD Duramax LTZ Crew Cab Short Bed. Would I be able to tow a 16000lbs fifth wheel camper?
asked by: Steven B
Expert Reply:
From the info you told me it looks like the max 5th wheel/gooseneck towing capacities for your 2018 Chevy 2500HD is 9,000 lbs for a 3.73 axle ratio or 14,000 lbs for a 4.10 axle ratio. Either way you won't be able to safely tow a 16,000 lb 5th wheel trailer so you'll either need to upgrade your tow vehicle or look into a smaller 5th wheel trailer.
Since it sounds like you already have the truck it would obviously be more cost-effective to keep the truck and just look for a smaller trailer. If you don't already have a 5th wheel hitch then I recommend going with the Curt A16 because it is a solid hitch choice that doesn't carry the price tag of some other options out there. If you have the OEM puck system then you need part # C16668 which comes with the adapter for the pucks, but if you don't have the OEM puck system then you need the A16 hitch # C16521 as well as the in-bed rail kit # C16411-204.
The rail kits are great but if you'd like a clear bed (if you don't have the OEM puck system) then I recommend going with a kit like the B&W Companion # BWRVK3400-5W with the gooseneck hitch # BWGNRK1016-5W. This kit gives you a completely clear bed when you aren't towing just as if you had the OEM pucks on your pickup.
I have attached some videos and installation instructions for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- B and W
more information >
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Chevy/GMC - Carbide Finish
- 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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