5th Wheel Bed Rail Installation on 2002 Toyota Tundra SR5 with 6 Foot Bed

Question:

Instructions for the Reese rail kit are limited. Where are the spacers used. Rail bolts do not go thru to frame. Thinking about having the frame brackets wielded. Dont know if I have room to drill holes for the brackets. All you information has helped a lot due to very limited directions in the Reese kit. Thanks

asked by: Ted N

Expert Reply:

For the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit # RP30035, doesn't have a fit for your 2002 Toyota Tundra 6 foot bed so I can't give you the installation measurements.

The universal rail kits similar to this like the # DM8552009-71 simply have you put the hitch and rails in your truck and place the center of the hitch directly over the axle to up to 3” ahead of it, and it must be centered side to side in the box of the truck. then they have you drill the 4 holes through the bed and match it up with your brackets underneath so you can drill into your frame at those locations.

If you choose to the Reese Rail Kit, you will also need the spacer kit # RP58197 for your truck to avoid crushing of truck bed.

There are limited hitches that fit this short of a truck bed, so I recommend using the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Ultra Slide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - 16K # DM6076P-UL-16K. I've attached a link to the confirmed fit hitches we carry. You can alternatively use a fixed hitch and a Sidewinder pin box to also allow the turning clearance needed.

expert reply by: Jason S

Ted N.

7/23/2018

Jason S.

7/23/2018

With Reese not having a fit for your truck, it is most likely due to the reasons you listed with limited space and bolts not long enough for your frame. The locations will still be the same as we discussed if you choose to use that kit and yes brackets can be welded to the frame if you prefer. The spacer kit again only is specified for the 8 foot bed Tundra models. It states in the instructions for the RP30035 to use this spacer kit and stack (1) 3/16" and (1) 5/16" thick slotted spacer to avoid crushing of truck bed. It says to install the spacer above or below the bed to fill corrugations in the bed floor. The lack of specifics, although it may sound confusing, leads me to believe the rail kit manufacturer is simply trying to get the installer to adjust for differences from the truck manufacturer as this is obviously a softer metal in the bed so reinforce it the best you can.