Correct Front To Rear Location of Hitch Rails For Reese Fifth Wheel Kit, # 30074, On 2004 Dodge Ram
Question:
On the installation video and written instructions I have not been able to find any fore and aft measurements for the correct placement of the hitch rails. How are the rails correctly placed to ensure the proper position of the hitch over the axle? Thank you for your help.
asked by: Paul J
Expert Reply:
There are no fore and aft measurements available. The actual location of the hitch rails over the axle is determined by when the hitch rails are connected to the hitch frame brackets under the truck and installed to the frame by drilling or Clamp-on brackets.
On the 2004 Dodge Ram the location of the hitch rails is between the two truck cross members that are right above the exhaust and over the gas tank. The hitch rails are slid up on top of the truck frame rails under the truck bed. On some Dodge trucks you might have to loosen the truck bed from the frame to get access to slide hitch rails across the top of the frame.
The hitch frame brackets are then attached to the hitch rails with one bracket on each side of the frame. Then, you will slide the whole rail assembly towards the rear truck cross member as far as possible. The hitch frame brackets are designed with cutouts so that they will actually fit snug along the frame rail when the whole rail assembly is slid to the rear truck cross member.
After it is in that position, you can attach the rail assembly to the truck by either drilling to the frame or using supplied Clamp-on brackets. Once it is installed, you can run the four pointed bolts through the holes in the hitch rails from underneath the truck and it will leave a prick mark on the bed. These prick marks will be the location of where the pilot holes need to be drilled on the truck bed. After the pilot holes have been drilled then you will need to use a 2-1/2 inch hole saw to cut the holes for the puck system to attach.
