Placement of Reese Universal Base Rail Kit # RP30035 for RBW 5th Wheel in 2003 F250 Short Bed

Question:

what are the measurments for placing the rails in this truck four door 4 wheel drive

asked by: Dennis M

Expert Reply:

The Reese Base Rail Kit, part # RP30035, is a universal 5th wheel installation kit intended to fit a wide variety of hitches and vehicles. Please note that it cannot be installed over a plastic bed liner (cutting of the liner will be required) but spray-on liners are okay.

The installation instructions for this product are provided; note that the Ford-specific instructions for your vehicle appear on pages 10 and 11. You will mount the rear base rail either 29-1/4 inches or 32-1/2 inches forward of the rear edge of the truck bed depending on the specific gross vehicle weight for your truck, as outlined in the instructions.

You might prefer to use a custom base rail installation kit designed for your specific vehicle. Custom kits use vehicle-specific brackets that take less time to install and require less drilling. Reese kit # RP50082-58
includes base rails, under-bed brackets and all required hardware for your 2003 F-250 short bed. Instructions for this kit are included along with a video demonstrating installation in a 2003 F-250.

I have also included links to two articles, one on 5th wheel hitch installations and one on sidewinder pin boxes, which make towing a 5th wheel with a short-bed truck far easier and safer.

expert reply by: Adam R