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

Fifth wheel rails have basically have the same weight rating as the fifth wheel hitch that is installed in them. They are supported by the frame of the truck more than anything. The bed of the truck helps, but truck beds are typically a very thin…

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Answer 3

We have had Cequent the maker of Reese 5th wheel rails, #RP30035, in to train us. They state that their rails are stong enough for the truck's capacity is a way of helping people stay within the limits of their vehicle. We have had trucks that…

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Answer 4

From Rep at PullRite, you will need to measure from the front edge of your king pin to the leading edge of the king pin plate to identify which you should use with your Rota-Flex 5th Wheel Pin Box and #LC328330. See the attached image I provided with…

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Answer 5

The rails do not have a rating. Basically, Reese states they are rated for whatever the towing capacity of the truck is. That is partially why the same rails are recommend for everything from a 15K hitch up to a 24K hitch. They are more than strong…

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Answer 6

It sounds like your 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 has standard above the bed rails for a 5th wheel hitch. Take a look at the picture I have included which shows the hitch mounting measurements for industry standard above the bed rails. If the ones in your…

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Answer 7

The Furrion RV Observation Camera System w/ Monitor and Bracket - Wireless - 5" Screen #FOS05TASF is a very popular system for many trailers. If your trailer comes prewired for a camera, this is most likely the system that it came designed for…

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Answer 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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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How to Determine if Rails are Standard Fifth Wheel Rails

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