Can the Reese 5th Wheel Frame Brackets Be Installed 1-1/2 Farther Back Than Recommended?

Question:

I purchased a reese rail system for an existing reese hitch that I removed from an older truck and installed the new rails and old hitch in a 2018 2500hd Silverado. I followed the directions very carefully and the install went good. However, after i installed the rails I discovered the rails are 1 1/2 inchs back from the cener line of the axle. The dimension in the instructions show to install the rail 29 3/8 inchs from the back of the bed for an 8ft bed. Should I move the rails forward? The reason for the rails being 1 1/2 back is I discovered my bed is 97 1/2 inches and not 96 inches. These measurement in the instructions are not correct.

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

If that is the case, then no you should not have to move your Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP50066-58 forward.

As long as your king pin is sitting over the axle (fig. 2A), you won't have a problem, and with your truck having a long bed you won't run into any turning clearance issues either.

Additionally, the rails reuse the factory holes in the frame so you really can't move them anyways.

I've attached an install video that you might find helpful as well.

expert reply by: Bryce D