5th Wheel Rail Placement on a 2001 Chevy Silverado Short Bed for a Reese Slider Trailer Hitch

Question:

need to know what is distance 4 first rail from end of bed how many inches in and also what is distance to second bed rail and is 8 bolts enough thru bed rails do u need any in center of rails ,this is a older reese unit model nu. is 30032 its going in 2001 silverado short bed it has slider is that important on short beds thanks and hope u have all answers

asked by: Henry E

Expert Reply:

The Universal 5th Wheel Installation Kit, # RP30035, uses 10 bolts and some of the other kits use 4. Depending on what kit you are using you could require a different number of bolts.

On a short bed 2001 Chevy Silverado, from the rear edge of the truck bed to the back of the first rail measures 25-1/8 inches. To the back of the second rail it would be about 47-1/8 inches. The center of the hitch jaws should be centered over the rear axle.

On a short bed truck like yours with the 6-1/2 foot bed, a slider would most likely be needed. Round tube sliders offer 12 inches of travel and square tube sliders offer 10 inches. If you measure the distance from the center point above the rear axle to the back of the truck cab, and then add 10 or 12 inches (depending on which slider you have) you will get measurement A.

Next, measure the width of the 5th wheel trailer overhang and divide by 2 to get measurement B. Take A - B to get the amount of clearance you will have. You need at least 4 inches to safely make 90 degree turns.

expert reply by: Michael H