Placement of Reese standard bed rails?

Kevin O. wrote:

WTP-GC wrote:
Having installed the bed rails in my previous TV, I would not want to do it without having the hitch.

This is the hitch I want to purchase.



It comes with adjustable brackets so it can be made to fit on any set of standard bed rails. Unfortunately for me this hitch will not help me find the placement for the front rail. I guess I'll just spend the extra $$ and let a shop install the rails..

You don't start with the front bed rail, you have the custom brackets. You start with the rear bedrail, you don't have a choice where those bed rails go, the custom brackets establish where they go. You mount the custom brackets underneath first. If you had the universal brackets then thats a different story, BUT the bed rails still go in the same position .


The most critical thing is the 22" spacing of the bed rails, the custom brackets have slotted holes for bolting the bed rails , although its 22" center to center, you could still get the bed rails off.

I started with the rear bed rail, they give you a measurement to place it, its just a matter of centering in the bed, setting the measurement from the rear of the bed, drill, and bolt down. Then you set the second one 22" , square it, and drill ,and bolt. There is enough play in the bolt up holes in the custom bracket if you happen to be off a bit, yes there is a point ,but 1/8 will adjust . If those bed rails are 22" ,and square that hitch you are buying will fit.


That kit you bought I have installed two sets in a ford superduty a 99, and a 2002, both without the hitch . There is no problem getting them where they belong.