Unknown 5th Wheel Installation Kit on a 2011 GMC Sierra 3500 Long Bed

Question:

I have a 3500 GMC 2011 8foot and have holes for a fifth wheel in the bed and need to buy a fifth wheel hitch for it. I wanted to find out what was in there before I bought the truck. It already has the frame brackets but no bed rails or anything else. The measurements between holes is 24inch lengthwise and 40inch apart width. I hope this helps and you all can tell me what type or brand was in there.

asked by: Andy

Expert Reply:

It doesn't look like a Reese, B&W, or Curt bracket. It could be a Valley bracket. Given that the bracket is one piece it is likely a custom bracket. It does look similar to the Reese brackets in kit # RP50066-58. The hole spacing does sound like industry standard rails.

I do not recommend mixing bracket and rail manufacturers because they are not tested together and you end up with an unknown capacity.

Based on the side to side hole spacing it sounds like 4-bolt rails were originally installed. But since we cannot be 100 percent sure it really is best to replace the entire kit so you get all new parts and hardware that you know are compatible.

expert reply by: Michael H