How to Determine if Rails are Standard Fifth Wheel Rails

Question

Question:

I just purchased a used truck that has the rails already installed in the bed. I am considering the purchase of a new Curt 16KE5 fifth wheel hitch. I would like to know the hitch dimensions so as to determine if the slot locations in my rails will directly mate with this hitch. The bed rails are the required 22inch apart fore and aft in the bed. There are sets of mounting slots at 5, 10 3/8, and 14.5inch either side of the rail center line, indicative of a leg width of twice those dimensions. Can you advise if the Curt 16K hitch will fit with these installed rails?

asked by: Dave C

0

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you could have a set of standard fifth wheel rails that most manufacturers use for their fifth wheel hitches to install into. The different manufacturers all make their own brand of rail kit, but they all have basically the same dimensions so that other manufacturers hitches would fit into them. Check out the picture I attached to see dimensions of standard rails and compare them to yours.

If you do determine that you do have standard size rails the Curt E5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # 16516 that you referenced would definitely work for you. I attached installation instructions for this hitch.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Tommy R.

7/24/2020

I bought a used curt fifth wheel hitch, it came off a Chevy truck will the L brackets that bolt to the frame be the same or will I need different ones????Thank you

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Chris R.

7/29/2020

Even if the same model brackets can be used with your new truck, you'll want to replace them anyway because they aren't designed to be installed more than once. The brackets and hardware will lose their integrity. If you can tell me what specific model truck you have I will be happy to recommend a new (and compatible) install kit.

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Tommy R.

7/30/2020

@ChrisR 1999 Dodge 2500 six and half feet long

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Jon G.

8/9/2020

@TommyR For your application you can use the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit # RP30035. This has the same L brackets you mentioned and will work with any 5th wheel hitch that fits to industry standard base rails.

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Answer 1

Most fifth wheel rails are made to the same industry standard dimensions. They aren't all though. If you measure 22 inches on center between the two rails and they look like the rails of the #RP30035 that you referenced they would be the industry…

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Answer 2

We do have the correct replacement head unit for your B&W Companion, though the RVC is actually the part number for the head unit, so for a 3500 you would have the Base for B&W Companion #BWRVB3500. The correct head unit for this base is the…

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Answer 3

It's perfectly acceptable to mix and match the hitch from one manufacturer with the install bracket/rail kit from another manufacturer but you DO NOT want to mix frame brackets and bed rails from different manufacturers. The bracket and rails are…

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Answer 4

Hey Thomas, so B and W does have a fifth wheel hitch that fits the Reese above bed rails you have in the bed of your truck but the Companion that you mentioned does not as it only fits into B and W Turnoverball gooseneck hitches. So instead what you…

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Answer 5

Since you have a 4' breakaway cable any 4' coiled cable can be used. You can use the Fastway #FA80-01-2204, which will come with the plunger as well or the Fastway #FA80-01-2140 if you're plunger is still is good shape, you'll just…

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Answer 6

Your fifth wheel rails with the CMI stamped on them were manufactured by Curt, and will be compatible with Curt, Draw-Tite, Husky, Reese, Valley, and other brand hitches. They fit what are called industry standard hitches. For your 2008 Ford F-350, I…

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Answer 7

In regards to the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit part #C16400-204 which is a fit for a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, the distance from the edge of the truck bed to the edge of the forward-most rail is 47-1/2" on both the 5-1/2' and…

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Answer 8

Since you have a shorter bed you'll want to go with a sliding fifth wheel hitch to give yourself some extra turning clearance during tight turns. You'll also need to know the GVWR of the trailer to choose the correct capacity hitch. The Curt…

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Answer 9

Definitely a good idea to know what you're getting and yes, the attachment pins absolutely do come with the Curt Spyder Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails - 30,000 lbs #C35HR.

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Answer 10

Hey Robert, A 5th wheel trailer with a 15,000 GVWR will only need a 5th wheel hitch that has a capacity exceeding that, so you're going to want one rated for 16,000 lbs at least. After that it really depends on your budget and the quality you…

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Answer 11

I checked with Husky Towing and the difference between the two fifth wheel kits part #HT31408-686 and #HT31412-686 is the vehicles the two are designed to fit. There is a bit of overlap between what the two kits will fit though and I think that is…

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Answer 12

Yes, the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #DM8550034 will work with the B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails #BWRVK2505 on your 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. I do recommend installing the Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring…

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How to Determine if Rails are Standard Fifth Wheel Rails

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