Can 5th Wheel Brackets be Installed First Before Rails and holes Drilled Up Through the Truck Bed

Question:

Is there any reason you couldnt install the brackets first, then drill the pilot holes for the rails from underneath? I would think that would eliminate any possible measuring error.

asked by: Kevin D

Expert Reply:

I suppose you could but the positioning of the rails is critical so you would need to be vigilant about getting them in the right locations. I recommend just following the installation instructions because if you were to have the brackets off of where they need to be then everything is off and you will have to drill additional holes through the bed.

The holes in the brackets for the frame bolts are elongated which allows for a little front to back slop, so you would have to make sure the brackets are lined up with each other on both sides before drilling.

expert reply by: Michael H