Row 3 Hole Enlargement for Installing the Reese Rail Kit part # RP56009-53

Question:

product in question is the reese rail kit 56009-53 and 30153 is this compatible with a 16k reese 5th wheel slider I had installed on a universal rail from reese and also the install instruction on the product in question says you need to drill the bolt hole in row 3 with a 1and quarter inch hole to make room for the bushing that is inside the bed support. my question is why do you have to drill a hole for the bushing when it could just be installed through the end of the channel. and if you must drill a large enough hole to accommodate the bushing is the hole drilled from the bottom and does it stop before it goes through the top of the bed. sorry this is a little wordy and hope that it makes sense. great website by the way.

asked by: Rickk

Expert Reply:

Both the rail kit # RP56009-53 and part # RP30153 that you referenced are considered industry standard rails so yes, a Reese 16k slider hitch like what you have would work well with them.

Yes, you do need to use the bushing after you enlarge the 1-1/4 inch hole in row 3. The bush provides support for the bolt that runs through so that it doesn't just damage the bed of your truck when torqued. The bed is what gets enlarged to 1-1/4 inches per the instructions. You would want to drill from the top.

expert reply by: Jameson C