Are Universal 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation Brackets Compatible Rails that Run Front to Back

Question:

We have a 2010 GMC Sierra 6-1/2 foot bed, 2500 HD series. We have a used husky super fifth wheel B 1406 hitch. We have everything except the brackets for under the bed. would the L brackets from the RP30035 installation rails kit work? Could we buy just the L brackets if they do, or could we make them if we had the measurements? Our rails run front to back along the side of the bed where yours runs the width of the bed, would the brackets be compatible with ours? thanks

asked by: James F

Expert Reply:

The Reese L-shaped brackets are not compatible with the Husky installation kit you have. The # RP30035 brackets are designed for rails that run side to side in the bed. It is not a good idea to mix underbed bracket and rail manufacturers as a rule because they have not been tested together.

You will either need to get a compatible installation kit for the hitch and rails or a new fifth wheel trailer hitch and installation kit that are all compatible for your 2010 GMC Sierra.

I recommend a custom installation kit, # RP50064-58, because it requires less drilling and the underbed brackets are designed to fit your truck. I have included a link to the installation details and a link to a video showing a typical installation for you.

For a trailer hitch, you will want one with enough capacity to handle the gross trailer weight and pin weight, but I also recommend going with a round tube slider because they have 12 inches of travel, the most available. For a 16K hitch use # RP30075 and for a 20K use # RP30083.

expert reply by: Michael H