Will an Older Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Fit New Reese Rails on a 2007 Chevy Silverado 3500

Question:

I purchased at Reese 5th Wheel hitch from a friend. The information of the hitch says its a part number 30033 and 30729. It is stamped 20,000 ? 5000. The information on your site shows a new hitch RP30033. I am not sure the two are the same and I need rails for a 2007 Chevrolet 3500 8ft bed. What custom rail kit will work for me? Thanks

asked by: Leonard

Expert Reply:

In order to determine if the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch you bought is compatible with the current rails, you can take a couple of measurements of the hitch and compare them to the rails. We will be looking at the feet of the hitch that attach to the rails.

You will need to measure the side to side distance and front to back distance on center. Reese rails have 3 mounting slots located on the top of each rail. The distance between the outer most set is 29 inches on center. The next set in are 20.624 inches apart on center. The inside set is 10 inches apart on center.

From front to back, the slots are 21-13/16 inches apart on center for all 3 sets. If the hitch you have will fit these rails, then you can use Custom Installation Kit, # RP50064-58, that you have referenced. If it will not fit, you may be able to replace the legs on the hitch with ones that will fit.

I have made a picture for you showing the rail dimensions, and I have included a link to the installation instructions for the install kit as well as a video showing a typical installation.

expert reply by: Michael H