Will I Be Able to Keep Airlift Air Bags and Install the Reese Fifth Wheel Under Bed Rail Mounts

Updated 09/09/2013 | Published 09/04/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(43)

$546.29

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(1815)

$527.95

Question:

I have Airlift 5000 air bags on my 2013 Chevy 2500 HD 4 x 4 Crew Cab 6.5 foot bed truck. The U-bolts that hold the upper airbag assembly wrap around the truck frame above the axle. How will I bolt the airtlift upper assembly to the frame with the Reese fifth wheel under bed rail mounts? Please see the pic attached.

asked by: Paul M

Expert Reply:

According to my technical contact at Airlift the kit that you have, # AL57338, on your 2013 Chevy 2500 4 by 4 Short Bed Crew Cab Truck can be used without the upper u-bolts that wrap around the frame. Air lift has designed the upper bracket to use either u-bolts or self taping screws to secure the upper bracket to the frame of your truck.

As shown in the included instructions on page 3 and 4 part K is included as optional hardware for vehicles equipped with fifth wheel hitches that have frame side plates. Part K is 3/8 inch self taping screws and 4 were originally included with the installation hardware kit.

The photo that you included is extremely helpful however, from this angle I cannot tell if the self taping screws are currently installed in conjunction with the u-bolts. I have included a video showing the installation of this suspension system on a 2011 GMC Sierra, which is similar to your truck. Since this vehicle also has a 5th wheel hitch installed, at approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds into the video, the installation of the self taping screw is shown in place of the u-bolts on the upper brackets. I have also included a separate photo showing the self taping screw installed on the upper bracket of this air bag system.

The Reese Elite Slider 5th Wheel Hitch # RP30144 installed in conjunction with the Reese below the bed rails # RP30886 that you mentioned is confirmed as a fit for your vehicle. This slider option is ideal for your short bed truck. Please note that when using this slider hitch the lowest height setting will not be able to be used on the hitch.

I have included links to the parts you referenced above and couple of installation videos for your reference.

expert reply by: Rachael H