Will RBW-X16 Hitch fit Reese Fifth Wheel Rails # RP50064-58 on a 2003 Chevrolet 2500HD Short Bed

Question:

I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY 2500HD 6.6FT BED. I,M BUYING A RBW X-16 HITCH AND THE TRAILER OUT OFF STATE, WE PLAN ON INSTALLING THE HITCH WHEN WE GET THERE, WHAT CAN I DO AHEAD OF TIME TO THE TRUCK TO HELP EASE THE INSTALLATION PROCESS? AND TOOLS WE MAY NEED. THANKS

asked by: D C

Expert Reply:

Your 2003 Chevrolet 2500HD short bed will require the use of a fifth wheel slider hitch. A slider hitch will allow the fifth wheel to move 10 to 12 inches towards the rear of the truck bed. This will give you the needed clearance between the truck cab and the front of the fifth wheel when making tight turns. You will want to make sure that the RBW X-16 hitch you will be using will be a slider hitch.

I spoke with my contact at Reese to see if the RBW X-16 hitch will fit in the Reese base rails and he said he thought it would, but he said to make sure you will want to measure the tabs on the hitch that will sit in the base rails. The measurement you will need to have on the tabs is 22 inches, center to center, from front to back and 29 inches, center to center, from side to side.

The Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit, part # RP50064-58, will fit your 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD with the 6-1/2 foot bed. I am including a video link of the installation of the Reese kit on a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.

The tools needed for the installation are:

Wrenches: sizes 3/4 inch, 7/8 inch, 15/16 inch, and 1-1/8 inch.
Drill Bits: sizes 1/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 11/16 inch, and 3/4 inch step.
Center Punch
Measuring Tape