Installation Process for Reese 5th Wheel Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit # RP30035

Question:

Im thinking of purchasing the reese 30095 fifth wheel kit. I looked through the instructions and the diagram looks slightly different than my 2004 dodge ram 1500 slt quad cab shortbed. Am I seeing it correctly that the cab side rails do not use the L bracket but bolt to the sill w the u bracket. It doesnt look like it attaches to the frame at all on the front rail.And my sill looks slightly different like it has another sill lookin section that extends below the top of the frame rail.

asked by: Christopher S

Expert Reply:

The 5th wheel installation kit you referenced, Reese # RP30035, is a universal-fit type kit that includes a number of different components to allow it to be used in a range of different trucks. Not every single part will be used in every installation.

Universal kits like these require more drilling and roughly twice the installation time of custom-fit bracket kits. This is why we do recommend custom kits like Reese # RP50040-58 that will require no frame drilling at all (since it uses the existing holes in the frame). This will make your 5th wheel installation easier and faster. The custom frame bracket kits do cost more but the savings in time and effort are usually considered worth it.

With this install kit in place you can use an industry standard hitch from Curt, Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, Reese, Valley or Husky, with only a few exclusions.

expert reply by: Adam R