Where to Install the 5th Wheel Universal Base Rail Kit on a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500

Updated 08/27/2018 | Published 08/25/2018

Question:

i have bought a draw tite fifth wheel hitch and it came with the universal brackets.. i have a chevy 01 1500 crew cab short bed.. how do know what area to drill it is a slider hitch

asked by: Corey

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you purchased the Reese 16K # RP30051 with the Universal Bracket Kit # RP30035 for your 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500. If this is the case then I have attached a picture of page 5 in the attached instructions that gives you the details on the mounting location as well as a sample installation on a 2002 Dodge Ram. It does state that if you have a Crew Cab with a 5'8" bed not to install on the truck unless the trailer is equipped with a Sidewinder as a sliding 5th wheel hitch will not give you enough clearance to clear your cab when making sharp turns.

Please note that if you didn't purchase this new then you do need new hardware as it is only meant to be torqued down once. Let me know if this is the case and what hardware you need and I can make some recommendations.

expert reply by: Jon G