Can the Reese Universal 5th Wheel Kit be Installed with a B and W Gooseneck Hitch in a 1997 Chevy

Question:

I have a 97 Chevy c3500 with the 8 ft bed that has a BandW gooseneck already installed. Can I install this and keep the gooseneck in place. What is the distance between the rails for my model truck?

asked by: Jodie

Expert Reply:

Typically you will need to remove a gooseneck hitch setup to install fifth-wheel rails in the bed of your truck, because the brackets will attach to the frame in the same locations that the gooseneck brackets attach for proper distribution of the trailer's tongue weight.

When installing the Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit, # RP30035, on your 1997 Chevrolet C3500 Series pickup with 8 foot bed, the rear edge of the base rail will be positioned at 30-15/16 inches from the rear of the truck bed, see instructions page 6. The base rail itself is about 6-1/2 inches wide and from the center of the rear base rail to the center of the front base rail the the distance will be about 21-13/16 inches, depending on the leg spacing of the fifth wheel hitch you use. I attached a photo showing these dimensions for you to review.

If you could install the fifth-wheel rails without interference from the gooseneck hitch and you will still have enough room for the gooseneck coupler on your trailers to rotate freely, then it may be possible, but it is up to you to measure and be sure. Normally a gooseneck hitch is removed and a gooseneck plate, like part # 16055, is used to tow gooseneck trailers when necessary.

expert reply by: Robert G