How to Determine if Rails are Standard Fifth Wheel Rails

Updated 08/09/2020 | Published 07/13/2013

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

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

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

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.

Tommy R.

7/30/2020

@ChrisR 1999 Dodge 2500 six and half feet long

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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