How Do I Install Fifth Wheel Rails in The Bed of My Pickup
Updated 03/30/2021 | Published 08/17/2009 >
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Question:
i need to know how wide the brackets are at the bottom on the fifth wheel and how far apart the rails have to be mounted on the truck.
asked by: jimmy h
Expert Reply:
The rails in the bed of your pickup are installed so that the king pin will be just forward of the rear axle when hitched. The mounting location is vehicle specific and if you would like to provide your trucks year, make, model bed length and cab style I would be glad to get instructions to you and make a recommendation for an installation kit for your truck.
When mounting a fifth wheel hitch the first measurement you use is the distance from the farthest back part of the bed, tailgate removed, to the specific measurement for your truck and bed length (can be found in fifth wheel rails installation instruction manual) to the rear edge of the rear rail. You then use the fifth wheel hitch as a guide to position the front rail and a tape measure to measure diagonally and square things up. I have provided a set of instructions for the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit, item # RP30035, for you to review.
The Rails themselves are 43 inches long and 5-1/2 inches wide. The rails will be mounted somewhere between 20-1/2 inches and 22 inches apart in the bed depending on your hitch choice and your vehicle. The Legs on the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 20,000 lbs, item # RP30928, are 20-15/16 inches on center apart.


Bryan G.
3/20/2020
What are the measurements from the rear of bed for a 2011 Ram 3500 long bed crew cab for a standard rail system? Mounting the rear rail? I bought it used Curt 20k.


Jason K.
5/24/2020
I have only the rails. I have a 2013 ram 3500 cm flat bed. Any ideas on the measurements to mount the rails ?


Paul F.
6/15/2020
where do I install 5th wheel bed rails in a 2017 f250 single cab with 8 ft bed



Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
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Instructions
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Paul R.
3/27/2013
mounting location for 2013 Toyota tundra double cab 6.5 bedthanks