How to Determine 5th Wheel Rail Placement for Towing with a Curt e5 Hitch on a 2008 GMC 2500 HD

Question:

Is the rail placement for the curt e5 fifth wheel hitch the same on a 2008 long bed the same as the short bed of the same year? I bought the hitch three years ago and installed it on a 2006 gmc 2500hd long box. I have traded the truck on a 2008 2500hd long bed. The only video that I could find is for a short bed. If the measurements are the same, I can use the video for the installation instructions. thanks in advance

asked by: Nick S

Expert Reply:

The fifth-wheel rail location in the bed of your 2008 GMC Sierra 2500hd long bed is going to be significantly different than the locations seen in the video for a short bed truck of the same make and model. You can still use the video, see link, as a general guide for installation but you should always refer to the specific manufacturer instructions for your kit so that you get the proper instructions and torque ratings.

You should obtain a set of instructions specific to the manufacturer rails that you originally purchased. Our product pages contain links to the manufacturer instructions for you to use, but there are several possibilities. You should also be careful to use the instructions specific to your 2008 newer body style pickup since the 2006 model year was an older body style pickup.

If you purchased a Curt Universal fifth-wheel installation kit for your 2006 GMC you should use the instructions linked on the page for part # C16100.

If you purchased a Curt Custom fifth-wheel installation kit you should use the instructions linked on the page for part # C16418-204.

If you purchased a Reese Universal fifth-wheel installation kit you should use the instructions linked on the page for part # RP30035.

If you purchased a Reese Custom fifth-wheel installation kit you should use the instructions linked on the page for part # RP50064-58, if you purchase an inboard custom installation kit, and part # RP56007-53 if you purchased an outboard installation kit.

You can determine if you have an inboard or outboard installation kit by looking at the mounting hardware for the brackets. The under bed hardware for the inboard installation kit, # RP50064-58, includes a large U-bolt for each side of the frame and the outboard kit, # RP50067-53 does not have any large U-bolts.

Finally, if you purchased an installation kit from some other manufacturer, let me know and I will be glad to try to help you come up with the correct installation instructions for you 2008 GMC.