Rail Positioning Dimensions for a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Kit on a 2008 Chevrolet 2500 HD Crew Cab
Question:
what is the distance from the rear of the truck bed to the first rail on a 6.5ft bed on a 2008 crew cab 2500hd chevy
asked by: Billy R
Expert Reply:
When installing a fifth-wheel rail kit on the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab 2500HD with 6-1/2 foot bed, there are different installation dimensions, depending on the manufacturer of the install kit and the type of install kit they produce.
Reese produces two types of install kit for your 2008 Chevy 2500HD, Universal and Custom install brackets.
The Universal installation kit, # RP30035, calls out 25-1/8 inches, on page 5 of the directions, see link, from the rear edge of the truck bed, tailgate removed, to the first edge of the rear most rail.
The Custom installation kit, # RP50064-58, calls out 47-1/2 inches, on page 9 of the directions, see link, from the rear edge of the truck bed, tailgate removed, to the first edge of the forward most rail.
In both cases, once the first rail is correctly positioned, the fifth-wheel hitch should be used to help correctly position and square up the second rail in the bed of the truck. Using the hitch also ensures that once the rails are installed the hitch tabs will easily drop into the mounting slots.
You should always follow the directions included with the rail kit you purchase, just in case there is a change made to the mounting locations for your specific vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Universal
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
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