Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Placement in a 1998 Chevy 2500 Extended Cab, Short Bed

Question:

I have a reese 14k kwik slide hitch, and a 1998 chevy 2500 extended cab short box truck . I need to know where to place the hitch in the box. Dimensions front to back etc... also i notice there are 2 rectangular holes on each frame rail 20.75inch center to center, are these the holes i will use to mount the brackets, or do i have to drill new holes?

asked by: Jason E

Expert Reply:

The hitch and installation kit that you referenced, # PS30128, uses the universal installation kit # RP30035. On a 1998 Chevy 2500, the distance from the rear edge of the truck bed to the rear edge of the rear rail measures 26-3/16 inches.

Use the placement of the rear rail to position the front rail by placing the hitch in the rear rail first and then line up the front rail with the hitch mounting tabs. The center of the hitch jaws should be approximately 1-1/2 inches forward of the center of the rear axle. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you.

The holes you see in the frame for the brackets will most likely not work with the installation kit so you will need to drill new holes.

because you have a short bed, you should use a slider hitch, # PS30129, and not a fixed hitch. The slider will travel 10 inches for greater clearance between the truck cab and the trailer to make tight turns.

expert reply by: Michael H