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Custom brackets reduce the amount of drilling and time required to install your fifth-wheel trailer hitch. Brackets, base rails and hardware included.
Features:
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today on this 2005 Chevrolet 3500 we are going to install part number RP50064-58. This is Reeses fifth wheel rails and install kit. The first thing we need to do is get the truck ready to install the kit. The first thing we did was remove the spare tire so we can get underneath the vehicle and install the hardware. We will also lower the exhaust because above the exhaust there is a heat shield and we need to move the exhaust out of the way so that we can cut the heat shield out of the way. We will look at the passenger side frame rail of the vehicle and this is the heat shield that goes all the way across. We are actually going to remove two sections of this. We are going to remove this section here from this hat channel as far back as we can because right here is where we have to have wrench access to tighten down parts. The second section we are going to remove is on this side of the hat channel, there are two right in a row, so we are going to cut across here and we are going to go all the way to the next hat channel up here and go across as well. 00:57
Next when you get into the bed of the truck we will measure out where to put the base rails. What we are going to do is measure the edge of the bed itself as described in the instructions and make a mark, do that on both sides, we will line up the rails with a mark and you want to measure left and right to get it centered in the bed. With the rail in the right spot we will mark out the holes we drilled. On the rail going towards the cab of the truck we are going to be using these two holes on the outside edge of the rail on both sides. We will find our center. We will drill out a pilot hole with a 1/ 8 inch bit. Repeat the same process for the remaining three holes. We are looking underneath the truck now and we can see the two holes that we just drilled out and we will hold the bracket up there and see how everything is going to fit into place. We will just line them up roughly so it looks like the bracket is going to be using this existing hole here and it looks like we can U-bolt it or we can bolt it into place here as well by drilling the hole out. 02:18
We have got the pilot holes drilled out, lets move the rail and drill out the holes and work our way up to 9/ 16. Now lets get back underneath the vehicle in the frame and we are going to start mounting the side frame brackets. We are going to set it on the frame for now and just line it up with the holes we drilled. What is going to happen is we are going to push it up to the bed and see which one of these three holes we are going to use. You can see we are going to be using this one right here so we can put our hardware into place. We are going to be using the 5/ 8 bolts and the flat washer, the large flat washer. Then we will use another flat washer and a lock washer and then the nut. Now the attaching point going towards the front of the vehicle we have got a couple of different options, one we can use the U-bolt assembly which will go around from the top and bottom, however sometimes you might have some lines in the back that might be hard to get around and you really cant get to it very easily. We will put the frame bracket up to the bed and line it with the holes as best as possible. We will use a clamp to hold everything together. We have got the bracket in the final position, we will take a 1/ 2 inch drill bit and we will use that to mark our center hole. We are going to drill out a pilot hole and then follow up with a 1/ 2 inch bit. 03:41
Next we are going to use a fish wire tool that comes with the kit and we are going to put it in the hole that we just drilled and route it out back and we are going to install a two inch block with a square hole, slide that on to the wire and then we will take the 1/ 2 inch carriage bolt and thread that in place and push it in and pull it on out. Make sure it is fully seated. Remove the wire pull. Snug that up finger tight for now and we should be just fine and we will take the clamp off. Now with the 5/ 8 bolt we will put the bracket back up to the bed and we will snug it down. At this point we can repeat the same process back over on the passenger side frame rail. Lets start installing the base rail. First we are going to install the lock and that will give it metal to metal contact from the top of the rail through the bed and onto the bracket down below. We will do that on both sides. Start installing the hardware for the base rail we are going to use this flat block with the round hole and offset and a lock washer and a nut. The next thing we want to do is place a second rail in the bed and we are just going to put it approximately in the right spot we will use the fifth wheel hitch that will be used with the truck. We will use that to position the second rail. Next we will use some pins to hold everything in place and then we will make sure that both rails are square with each other. What we are going to do is measure diagonally from one inside edge of the rail to the opposite rail and we get the measurements back and forth and we know that the rails are square. The same thing we did with the first rail we will mark and drill out the holes accept this time we will be using the two inside holes. 05:41
With the pilot holes drilled out we will remove the rail and just like before we will drill out the holes to the final size. This time we will not need the blocks on the top because the corrugation is going towards the top and touching the rail however we will have to use those in between the frame bracket and the bed underneath of it. Lets in the bolts. One other thing you want to look for is that when you put the bolts in there make sure they sit flat, if not you may have to loosen the frame brackets to get them to point straight. While we are here lets install the fifth wheel as well. Start working with the hardware on the bottom and slide the block and notch and just like the front one the block, the lock washer, and the nut. With all of the hardware loosely installed make sure the hitch is firmly in place and shake it around a little bit to make sure you have plenty of play to remove it. We will reinstall the pins and then we will make sure the blocks that are underneath the rails, make sure they are straight. Snug down these two bolts to the frame bracket. Check and make sure it still moves is a good sign. With all of the pins removed with relative ease we can torque down the bolts from the frame rail to the frame bracket. Once we have the base rails torqued down to the frame brackets lets tighten the frame brackets down to the frame. Torque down the frame brackets down to the frame. With all of the bolts torqued down our install is finished for the fifth wheel brackets. The last thing that needs to be done is to reinstall the exhaust, the tires, and wheels, and the spare tire. There you have it for part number RP50064-58.
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (118 Customer Reviews)
Custom brackets reduce the amount of drilling and time required to install your fifth-wheel trailer hitch. Brackets, base rails and hardware included.I was a little leery of installing a fifth wheel hitch to begin with, but after watching the videos from etrailer a few times and reading the instructions a couple of times, I decided I could do it. I installed the RP50064-58 kit for fifth wheel hitches and the Reese 30083 Fifth Wheel 20K w/Round Slider Unit on my 2006 GMC 2500HD short-bed. I had my three grandsons, ages 2, 3, and 7, helping me. The installation went really smooth (other than the younger children occasionally running off with tools) and I am very impressed by how sturdy it is. Now I am looking forward to receiving the Stromberg Carlson 100 Series 5th Wheel Tailgate with Open Design that I ordered. Thank you etrailer! You make it fun and easy!
received but thankfully all was there box was ripped apart that had the supports and bolts and short brackets.
I was a bit nervous at first installing the rails that would eventually hold the weight of a 16,000lb camper, however after reading the instructions and looking at the quality of the parts, I felt alot more comfortable. The installation was very easy, and with the large side plates, I feel alot better knowing the rails and hitch are secured to the frame with more than those small pieces of L steel that normally come with the kit. Install only took me about an hour and the hitch is very solid!
I have a 2006 2500HD with an existing gooseneck hitch that is welded in place between the frame. I had thought the "custom-fit 5th wheel" brackets would still fit so I ordered them so as to not have to drill in the truck frame. Unfortunately, the gooseneck channel is in the way of where the "U" bolt needed to go on the back side of the frame so I have to return this and get the "universal" install kit / rails. It will still be fine but I was trying to not drill in the frame any more than necessary.
I just wanted to pass this along incase anyone else had the same setup. It will save you some time, frustration, and shipping money :-). It was my fault (not etrailer's) .
I attached a picture showing where the bracket is with the gooseneck channel behind it (in the way). Hope it helps someone else.
Not as easy as the online videos would lead you to believe. However I did manage to get it installed. Getting the spacers nuts and lock washers on the bolts over the gas tank on my 2014 Silverado were a real SOB. Dropped 3 lock washer into the shroud over the gas tank while trying to accomplish this. Ended up taping the nut and lock washer to my wrench to get them in position while someone turned the bolt from inside the truck bed.
Poorly packaged at the warehouse which caused a box failure enroute to my house. I REALLY needed this for the weekend and will now have to either borrow a truck with a hitch or find a kit locally. Customer service blamed UPS. I disagree. Had the box been secured properly from etrailer to begin with, I wouldn’t be writing this review. I will not order anything heavy from them again.
Very fast shipping for the 5th wheel sliding hitch, rails and wiring ! Installation was very straight forward although the instructions were a bit vague. Watched the installation videos a couple of times which was a big help. Took about 4 hours for everything including wiring. Could have been quicker if I took off the rear wheels and lowered the exhaust but just worked around them. Picked up my new 5th wheel a week later and was very happy with the hitch - No problems at all. This was installed on a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.
Matthew W.
2/9/2018
Still very happy after thousands of miles !
Instructions leave something to be desired.. and every bolt needed for every variation of truck this kit can go on is included, so lots of leftover hardware. Surprising for a 'custom' kit (not universal).
Other than that, got it installed on my 2005 Silverado 3500 in roughly the time advertised. Almost. Still trying to figure out how to tighten the last nut that is really hard to reach.
Mikey
8/6/2018
No issues after a year. Kudos to etrailer for asking since so many people jump the gun quickly with glowing reviews only to realize disappointment soon after. Not so with this kit all is still good.
It wasn't so easy for me as I am 80 yrs. old but I got her done in a days time and it works fine, all the measurements in the directions were right on.
Robert
11/13/2022
The kit worked fine but the camper was too much weight for a 12 ton, sold the truck and bought a 34 ton with fifth wheel in it
This kit was a perfect fit on my 2006 Duramax crew cab. Installation was a breezy and it did not require any drilling or welding of the frame. The instructions were good and all necessary bolts and nuts were supplied ( along with a lifetime supply of spares). I would highly suggest this seller and their kit if you need fifth wheel rails installed in your truck.
Chris P.
11/26/2015
Perfectly
Installed this custom kit on my 2014 Chevy,fit like a glove.A few things I didn't have to do was remove the exhaust pipe or cut the heat shield,I had enough room to put my hands and reach the hardware.But you should lower the gas tank.
I don't have access to a hoist,so I had to do my work in the driveway while fighting off the mosquitoes.
Leroy N.
6/22/2015
What a great idea,no holes in the frame,Still working good ,no issues.
Parts arrived in a very short time and all fasteners and directions were in the boxes as expected! Installing was not quick and easy as I thought it would be. Fat fingers I could have done without. My son helped with most of the installation because 4 hands are required! The quality of the product is great as I expected too!
Joseph S.
1/3/2019
The product is working as I expected. The sun and weather has taken its toll on the paint, but that to I would expect. Great kit overall.
The salesman was very helpful and got me what I needed, there was good directions & plenty of parts . etrailer has a great product here without drilling in the frame. saved me a lot of energy. keep up the good work.
Husky J.
4/19/2016
Great, good product
I brought this 5th Wheel rail kit to a local Hitch Installation and Welding shop, and they installed it for me in one day. I brought the Hensley Trailersaver TS3 5th Wheel Hitch as well, so that the whole assembly could be line-up precisely as prescribed, with the center of the Kingpin at 1-5/8" forward of the truck drive axle center line. Great product by Reese, that fit my 2002 Silverado 3500 perfectly. Would recommend Reese products to anyone contemplating towing an RV/Travel Trailer.
Per instructions, removal of the vehicle heat shield was a beastly process. Modification of inner fenders was never mentioned in the instructions, had to modify the brackets to eliminate interference fit with hanger on the drivers side on the frame. Had to customize an existing bracket to allow access to mounting bolt on driver side. Also had to modify the frame to gain access to hold 3/4" bolt head for tightening mounting plates. It would have been much better to have had 2 throw away short open end stamped wrenches supplied with the kit in exchange for many extra bolts and other hardware. Once custom fabrication was complete it does work fine.
I bought a new Chevy 2014 Silverado Double Cab 4X4 with the 6' 6" bed and needed a bed rail kit to mount a fifth wheel hitch from another vehicle. Plan on spending 6 - 8 hours to install it if you have no previous experience with this installation. Make sure you have less than 1/4 of a tank of gas as the installation requires lowering the gas tank down about 12 inches. You will also need to remove the spare tire. You will save yourself a lot grief by doing these two things first. Also note the position of the bolts that hold the rails to the brackets, the front rail uses the outer most holes. The rear rail uses the second set of holes inward from the end of the rail. If you have a bed liner, trim it first before doing anything else.
This is a well designed heavy duty product. I have purchased several different products over the years and never had a complaint. Their service and pricing have been great.
I CAN NOT SAY ANYMORE ABOUT THIS SITE “ EXCELLENT”
This is my first time pulling a 5th wheel but not the first time traveling in a RV. Looking at the installation kits for these 5th wheels was a learning experience! Not many places sell the Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit. Since this is my first time pulling I wanted the security of knowing all four bolts holding the Base rails to the frame were attached to bracket. I'm not the one doing the install, but from what I see, the time should be cut by 1/3 from the other way of installing the base rails. eTrailer was the only one of the 5 websites I checked that had what I was looking for.
Regards,
Robert G from MI
I bought these quick install base rail plates instead of the universal fits all-fits nothing well angle plates that I had used on a different truck. Watch the video e-trailer has on line in the help section and the video is much better than the instructions that come with the plates.
My install went just like the video except the truck was only 2 days old so I didn't want to drop the exhaust or the fuel tank. It was tight between the fuel tank and the bolts that hold the rails in the bed but do-able.
The exhaust side was easier and I didn't have the exhaust tin shield like on the video but it was still tight but easier than the fuel tank side.
Using the measurements like in the video ALL the holes lined up like through the bed like they were supposed to with out any reaming of the plates or brackets.
The plates on the frame with the spacers worked great just like in the video and are worth the up charge of $$$ instead of using the universal angle supports.
With my Silverado being only 2 days old I was not going to drill any holes in to the frame for any reason to have chevy void my warranty so these bolt on plates using exsisting holes were the nuts!!!
I bought new bed rails for my fifth wheel as it would just have been to much of a pain to mess with the rusted bolts in the old truck.
All the hardware was there, every thing was packed waaaay too good, and it all came fast.
Who could ask for more
Eric Horn
I was happy with this set of rails. I chose to have them installed, but my installer said they fit well and were an easy install. I have used them now with multiple 5th wheel and gooseneck hitches.
Like a few of the other reviewers, I decided that the custom brackets for my 2005 Silverado 2500HD with 6 1/2 foot box was the way to go because I didn't want to be drilling and fitting the smaller brackets under there. Here's some thoughts. Yes, the spare tire really needs to come down - that took me about 2 hours, as I have never had it down before and had to keep referring to the instruction manual. Making measurements for the rail placement and drilling the holes in the bed was the easy part, as was using tip snips to remove a section of the heat shield underneath. The hard part was drilling the optional hole in the frame for the 1/2 inch bolt and fishing the bolt through on the drivers side (passenger side was an easy fish). I started with 1/2 inch hole for the 1/2 inch bolt - ended up drilling a 9/16 hole so the bolt would come through. Still, I do feel comfortable that this bolt provides extra security/rigidity to the brackets. The other hard thing to do was get the rectangular offset hole plate and lock washer attached to the rail bolts up by the fuel tank. Ended up hot gluing the lock washer to the plate because I was out of fingers to hold the pieces up there and thread the nut onto the bolt - ideally one would need to be part stretch armstrong and part contortionist. My total installation time was closer to 5-6 hours - but when it comes to something like this, I would rather be slow and thorough than fast and miss something. The kit contained everything needed and even a few leftover parts - so don't be concerned. Towed my new trailer home 2 nights ago and was pleased with the set-up and how it towed.
Very good products that are built to last. Nice thick powder coat. My order was an odd one . I ordered a fifth wheel base kit for a Chevrolet 1500. I don’t think many 1500s put fithwheel kits on them, but it’s for a 1500 towable Camper , very short and light. The system kept trying to send me the kit for a newer 2500 or 3500 I guess but we finally got it right with the required pieces to get it mounted. Nice and respectful service on the phone.
Ordered the Reese Quick-install rail and installation kit for my 08 GMC because the 05 brackets I had did not fit the 08. A friend and I installed it in about 2 hours, had difficulty installing one bolt above the fuel tank but this was to be expected. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The parts fit perfectly and looked like a professional installation when finished.
etrailer had the best price of all of the online suppliers of this product I could find. Quick shipping too. My only issue, and it's really not etrailer's fault, the included instructions left a lot to be desired. But to be fair, I found a YouTube video of this assembly being installed and while it looked pretty simple and straight forward, the video even left out some key issues...such as a brake line that was right in the way and had to be "relocated". Other than the instruction issue, I would give etrailer 5 stars.
Got my order in record time!
Found the rails cheaper elsewhere but they couldn't deliver. You could.
Thanks
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Larry E.
7/13/2015
Ha ha ha Michael I can relate to that have a 3 and a 7 years old and every time I work on something they are there to help the 3 year old more like wants to do it himself . Planing on installing a 5th myself and was thinking they could be of help steping on the bolts top side so I can put the nuts to the bolts, looks kinda hard. Good luck with your venture . Larry Esparza El Paso Tx