What is the Purpose of the Center Bolts on the Rails of a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation Kit

Question:

what is the importance of the center bolts on the bed rails when they only go through the sheet metal of the bed?

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

The center bolts for the rails in a 10 bolt 5th wheel trailer hitch installation kit like # RP56007-53 help stabilize the rails, limiting any movement and it makes them less likely to get out of square or bow up in the middle. They are not supporting much if any of the load. The side bolts that attach to the under bed brackets are doing most of that work. I have included links to the installation instructions for this kit for you to view.

expert reply by: Michael H