5th Wheel Base Rail Installation on 1998 Chevy Silverado 2500 4x4 with 6.5 Foot Bed and Liner

Question:

1998 Silverado 2500 4x4 6 1/2 foot bed. I already have a Reese 14K hitch that came with the 25 foot 5th wheel empty weight: 3600 lbs. my truck has a bedliner in it and I do not want to remove it, but I dont mind making rectangular cuts to accommodate the rails. Questions: Does etrailer have a rail kit for my truck? Is it universal or specific to the Silverado? The local shops want too much to install. How reasonable is this as a DIY project for someone moderately mechanically inclined? Thanks!

asked by: David

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 1998 Chevy Silverado 4x4, the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP30035 is the kit I recommend. It is not a custom fit, but there really isn't a custom fit for your truck, so it will require drilling into your frame for any 5th wheel rail kit. I've attached the installation details for you. I've also attached a video about trimming your bed liner.

The installation isn't too difficult for anyone comfortable with a tape measure and a drill. It is not a difficult install, but you do want to measure correctly so you don't have extra holes in your truck. In the attached instructions you will want to use sheet 6 of 19 and measure from the rear edge of your truck bed, not your tailgate. The rear rail will be 26-3/16 inches from the rear edge of your bed.

Let me know if you need anything else.

expert reply by: Jason S