Installation Instructions for Reese 5th Wheel Bracket/Rail Kit for 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500

Question:

I was wondering if you could provide the specific installation instructions for installing the 5th wheel rails and brackets into the bed of my 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 Extended Cab 6 food bed.

asked by: BRYON

Expert Reply:

Reese offers a couple of different options for installing the industry standard bed rails in your truck. The # RP30035 is the universal rail kit. It's the inexpensive choice, but on the down side the install will require drilling into the truck frame and is estimated to take and average of 6 hours. The custom bracket/rail kit, part # RP50064-58 uses existing holes in the truck frame, but you will need to drill up through the bed to connect the rails to the brackets. Install time is estimated at 4 hours, considerably less than the universal kit.

For the # RP30035, the specific instructions for your truck are on page # 5 of the instructions which I've linked for you.
I've also linked the installation instruction for the # RP50064-58 custom install kit as well as a video of it being installed on a newer Silverado.

Because of the short bed, you'll want to make sure you're using a sliding fifth wheel hitch or a rotating king pin like the Reese Sidewinder.

If you were interested in installing a 7-way trailer connector in the truck bed, I'd recommend part # 41157. I've also linked an install video for the trailer connector.