How to Determine if a Truck has Industry Standard Above the Bed 5th Wheel Rails
Question:
I just bought a 2013 GMC Sierra 2500. The previous owner had a fifth wheel. He kept the hitch but the rails are still installed in the bed. Do ALL mounting rails have a standard distance they are mounted in the bed? Can I just buy a hitch without buying the mounting rails?
asked by: Steve
Expert Reply:
It sounds like your 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 has standard above the bed rails for a 5th wheel hitch. Take a look at the picture I have included which shows the hitch mounting measurements for industry standard above the bed rails. If the ones in your truck bed are the same then you can install any hitch that fits in industry standard rails.
Since the truck was previously owned you might just want to have a mechanic check to make sure all of rail and brackets under the bed the rails are attached to are in good shape prior to towing anything. This is just because the condition of the kit is unknown to you.
We have many hitches that you could use in industry standard above the bed rails. For long bed trucks you would use a fixed hitch. And for a short bed you would need to use a slider hitch. I have included 2 separate links; one goes to the fixed option and the other goes to the slider options. But be careful because some of the hitches in the lists only fit in below the bed puck systems or OEM 5th prep packages.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Reese Quick-Install Custom Outboard Brackets for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Search Results: rp30153
- Shop: Curt Custom 5th Wheel Installation Kit for Ford - Gloss Finish
- Video: Review of Reese Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Outboard Mounting Brackets - RP56016
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Chevy/GMC - Carbide Finish
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Bracket Kit
- Shop: Reese Quick-Install Custom Bracket Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Search Results: reese fifth wheel hitch
- Video: Review of Curt Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - C16448
- Video: Curt Fifth Wheel Installation Kit C16424 Review
- Q&A: Can I Connect Reese Bed Rails to Curt Under Bed Brackets on 2020 GMC Sierra 2500
- Shop: Reese Universal Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: gooseneck hitch
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: B and W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider Review
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: B and W Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Universal - BWRVR3200 Review
- Search Results: fifth wheel hitch
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Height Setting for 5th Wheel Hitch
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Q&A: Best 5th Wheel Hitch That Works With The Lippert Turning Point Pin Box
on Fifth Wheel Hitch
