Compatibility of Older Reese Hitch with 2016 Toyota Tundra with 5-1/2-Foot Bed

Question:

HI I have an older Reese 5th wheel hitch part# 30026 and wondering if the newer rails will still work with it? Upgraded truck to a 2016 tundra with 5.5foot bed. Thanks

asked by: Jesse H

Expert Reply:

Your Reese 5th wheel hitch 30026 was made for installation in industry-standard 5th wheel base rails like # RP30035. It will fit in new equivalent base rails like the Reese rails I referenced and will also be cross-compatible with most other brands of above-bed rails. However, this hitch is quite old and no longer has full availability of replacement parts. Do keep that in mind for the long run.

If you are interested in a new custom-fit base rail kit for the Tundra I suggest the Reese Quick-Install kit # RP50084-58. For a wiring harness for the truck bed use part # 41157 from Hopkins.

Also, since your Tundra has a short 5-1/2-foot bed you will only be able to tow a 5th wheel if it is equipped with a Sidewinder replacement pin box. Sidewinder pin boxes bolt on in place of the standard pin box and shift the trailer pivot point to the rear by 22-inches. This will give you the turning clearance you need to avoid contact between the cab and the trailer overhang. Sidewinders are available for many, but not all, OEM pin box types and the linked article includes a list of the available products.

For example, let's say your trailer uses the popular Lippert 1116 pin box. In this case you can use the standard 16K Sidewinder air-cushioned version # RP61412.

expert reply by: Adam R