Measurement Differences Between Curt and Reese 5th Wheel Base Rail Kit on a 2008 Nissan Titan

Question:

The Curt and Reese semi custom brackets for the Nissan Titan appear to be the same. The instructions for one say to place the rear rail 31.25inch from back of bed. The other says 26.5. How can they differ by 5inch when they are the same brackets? I ordered the Curt and dont want to screw it up.

asked by: Fred C

Expert Reply:

The Curt and Reese semi-custom base rail kits look similar so they can be used with a wide variety of fifth wheel hitches. The installation instructions show different measurements for the placement of the rails because their brackets are manufactured differently.

There is not a set length on your 2008 Nissan Titan where all base rails must be placed. The measurements are different from each other because they are made by two different manufacturers who use different mounting bracket designs. The Curt Base Rail Kit, # C16470-204 centers the king pin 3 inches in front of the rear axle and the Reese Base Rail Kit, # RP30035-405, centers the king pin over the rear axle.

The Curt Base Rail Kit requires a measurement of 31-1/4 inches for your vehicle. Curts mounting brackets mount on the frame different from Reese and require that distance for a secure mount.

The Reese Base Rail Kit gives a measurement of 27-1/4 inches from the rear of the truck to the rear edge of the base rail for your vehicle. The mounting brackets that Reese uses require the rear base rail to be at that length.

I have attached the installation instructions for both base rail kits for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H