How Do I Know If My Bed Rails Will Fit Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch
Question:
Before buying this hitch, how do I determine if it will fit the rails that are already in the truck I just bought. I dont know the make or model of the rails.
asked by: Nicholas S
Expert Reply:
While there are exceptions, most all base rails manufactured in recent years are made to what is now referred to as Industry Standard Rail (ISR) pattern. Please note the attached image. These are mounted to the tow vehicle with a 22" on-center spread between the two mounted rails and each has a specific pattern for the mounting slots at about 5", 10-3/8" and 14-1/2" on either side of the rail center line. The slots where the 5th wheel hitch locks into are +/- a slight tolerance of 1/2" by 1-1/4". Compare this to your currently installed base rails, you will most likely find they match.
Rails made to this ISR pattern can fit hitch brands such B&W, Curt, Demco, Draw-Tite, Reese and other popular brands of 5th wheel hitches. Because the pattern most all manufacturers currently use is the same, the only real difference between rails is manufacturer quality, fit and finish. The biggest thing to be concerned with when selecting base rails is the mounting bracket design. A quality custom fit kit will be designed with mounting bracket to match the year/make/model of truck and its OEM holes in the frame. This minimizes, if not completely eliminates, the need to drill holes in the frame.
The Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Roller, # 16516 that you linked to will mount to ISR pattern base rails and is a good fit for a 2014 Ram 3500 with a 6-1/2' bed. With a dual-pivoting head that offers 10 degrees of lateral movement, the E16 fifth-wheel hitch makes hookup a snap, even on unlevel ground. This has a gross towing weight of16,000 lbs. and a vertical load limit of 4,000 lbs. The slide feature provides a full 12" of travel and hitch head can be adjusted from 14" 17" in height.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Roller - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Economy - Slide-Bar Jaw
- 15 - 17 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
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