Recommended 5th Wheel Rails and Brackets for a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500

Updated 10/20/2026 | Published 10/16/2026

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(25)

$310.00

Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(630)

$374.77

Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector and Cover Plate - 7' Long

(367)

$92.36

Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ S20 Slider - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(630)

$1045.95

Question:

I’m looking at photos and they show the brackets mounted cross ways across the bed. The last truck I had , the rails went length wise parallel with the frame. I have a Curt E16 hitch. Am I missing something or are there different bases and methods to mount these things? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

asked by: Michael L

Expert Reply:

Hey Michael. To install a set of 5th wheel rails in your 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500, I recommend the B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails item # BWRVK2504. The rails are compatible with Curt E16 5th wheel hitches like item # C16115 and item # C95DR.

The 5th wheel rails that come with the B&W item # BWRVK2504 are going to mount horizontally across your Silverado's bed between the wheel wells. The included custom fit brackets install in pre-existing holes along the outsides of the frame. This kit includes all the hardware you'll need to complete the installation as well.

I attached a couple of pictures below, along with an installation video, so you can see what the B&W item # BWRVK2504 looks like installed and how to get it set up.

To make towing with a 5th wheel trailer easier, I also recommend adding the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness item # C53CR. This harness puts a 7-way connector in the bed of your Silverado and allows you to keep the one on your bumper. You won't have to get down underneath your bumper to connect your trailer.

What kind of trailer are you towing? Feel free to answer this and throw in any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

BWRVK2504
(click to enlarge)

Don P.

10/19/2026

A buddy and I put these rails in my 2025 Custom Chevrolet TrailBoss. I have a 26’ Thor 5th wheel and the hitch does a great job. The rails are REAL metal and tough boys.

Jerred H.

10/20/2026

@DonP Thanks for coming back and sharing that feedback Don! Happy to hear the item # BWRVK2504 5th wheel rails you got last spring are working so well for you.

10/19/2026

Make sure you're rails Left and right are on the right side and the mounting on the outside (wheel side) of the frame inward and not ouboard inside the frame. I wish the offered photo share here

Jerred H.

10/20/2026

@Ej Thanks for those helpful tips Ej. I appreciate you taking the time to come back and share them.

10/19/2026

It sounds like your 5th wheel hitch is a slider type. I have seen a slid hitch where the whole hitch slides forward and back at the base. The standard 5th wheel rail system will not work with that preticular hitch.

Jerred H.

10/20/2026

@Gd Not sure what hitch you're talking about but the slider base on the Curt E16 item # C95DR will function normally with the B&W item # BWRVK2504 5th wheel rails.