mounting fifth wheel

shootnmiss09 wrote:
I got the correct amount in the rails. Then also I seen there is an optional drilled application, where you drill through the front of the mount on each side, and add a 1/2" carriage bolt. How hard would the frame be to drill? Think its a good idea to add an extra bolt on each side?

You can drill that frame, it's not what I would call easy though. Drill it slow, do not put a 1/2" drill in low gear just use your trigger finger to control the RPM. Use spray lube, a quality US made HSS bit, and some patience you will be just fine.

When I mounted my Reese to my '04 Chevy, I had to drill the frame because there were no universal brackets available at the time. If I remember, it was a really odd size. "17/32". I had to drill four holes. It's very thick metal, so use light pressure and take your time so you don't burn up the tip of your drill bit. I also used a H/D electric drill, and not a little unit. You're probably okay, but make sure you go back and retorque your bolts/nuts after you've towed for 25-50 miles.

I got the correct amount in the rails. Then also I seen there is an optional drilled application, where you drill through the front of the mount on each side, and add a 1/2" carriage bolt. How hard would the frame be to drill? Think its a good idea to add an extra bolt on each side?

Sorry - I missed the fact that you used the optional 5/8 x 1-3/4 bolt in your application. That is an application if you have a box frame.

I looked at the instructions, and you are correct. On each 50064 bracket, you have one bolt towards the rear of the truck which is a 3/4" x 2" with its associated washers and nut.

Then, on the front of the bracket, you have a choice of two 1/2" x 4-1/2", or 1/2" x 5-1/2" bolts depending on your truck. Also, depending on your model, you'll install a spacer between the bracket and the rail at the front of the bracket if needed.

So, on each bracket, you have three bolts. I also see that you should have 5 bolts on each rail. Two on each outside edge, and one in the center that bolts through the bed (no bracket, just a conical washer).

Reese part number 50064 brackets, Reese rail kit 58058, thanks!

Are these universal brackets or custom brackets for your truck? If you can put the model numbers of your brackets, rails and hitch, I'll take a look and see if what you have is correct. Right now after looking at some different instructions on line, it may very well be okay.

The frames on the GM trucks vary by year. If not bolted directly to the frame, you should have either L brackets or plates which bolt to the frame and provide attachment points for the bolts coming down from the 5th wheel cross bars. Each of the 4 bolts should attach to something secured to the frame.

eTrailer.com has some good videos, hopefully you can find what you need there.

That does not sound correct. On my last Chevy, the Brackets took two bolts and nuts each, then the rails took two bolts and nuts between each side of the rail to the bracket. Finally, there was one bolt bolted in the center of the rail to the bed itself. So to recap

Total bolts between brackets and frame 4 (two each side).
Total bolts between brackets and rails 8 (Two on each end of each rail)
Total bolts between rail and bed 2.

That was a 2004 Silverado K2500, so I don't know if there is a difference or not.

When I installed my hitch it was through the frame on all bolts...