Installation Process of Reese Quick-Install Custom Outboard Brackets for 2018 Ram 2500

Question:

I have a 2018 Ram 2500 and have installed the Reese kit RP56009-53. There is approximately 1inch clearance between the top of the truck frame and the bottom of the carriage bolts that attach the rails. There is no room to fit a torque wrench and a deep 3/4inch socket to torque to specification per the installation instructions. I thought about pulling the carriage bolts back out and cutting them shorter but that still would not give enough room to get even a standard socket and ratchet, let alone a torque wrench in there. Any suggestions? On a side note in the one picture you can see the cadmium plated bolt bottomed out on the frame bracket for the track rod. There is 1/2inch of bolt above the rail left to go to tighten. I will be trimming that bolt to fit. Also not only do you need to drill the 1 1/4inch hole for the bushing but you need to drill a 9/16inch hole in the bottom of the channel. There is no hole there from the factory on the passenger side. Drivers side has a hole and no extra frame bracket, nothing to do there but drill the 1 1/4inch hole for the bushing.

asked by: Ed

Expert Reply:

I do believe the part of the installation process of the Reese Quick-Install Custom Outboard Brackets # RP56009-53 you're referring to can be accomplished by torqueing that bolt using the head of the bolt in the truck bed. If you check out the installation video, towards the end of the video around the 10:50 mark, Shane talks about the issue that I believe you're referring to and recommends performing the installation this way.

I've gone ahead and linked that video to this answer for you to check out.

expert reply by: Erik B