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Kevin_O_'s avatar
Kevin_O_
Explorer
Dec 23, 2015

Placement of Reese standard bed rails?

I know I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed so I am hoping some of you can help me. I want to install the Reese bed rails(#RP50082-58) in my truck myself. I want this kit because it looks much stronger then the universal kit. The problem is every video I find on youtube and even the instructions from the kit shows the use of a hitch to find the placement for the front rail with no mention of any measurements?? I'm going to be buying the Pullrite 2700 Superglide hitch that adjusts to any set of bed rails.
So the big question is, how can I find out the measurements for the front rail so I can install these without using a hitch??

Kevin
  • The front to back spacing needs to set with a hitch in place. If you can borrow one to use it will work. There usually is no adjustment on a hitch for the spacing on the rails. The spacing is usually the same for all of them but 1/8" will make a big difference.

    B.O.
  • The spacing between the rails is 22" , thats center to center on the slots for the hitch. Thats the standard for bed rails ,and will be the measurement on the lugs on the fifth wheel hitch you are buying. Should be 32*1/4" from the rear edge of the bed to the rear edge of the first rail , then the 22" center to center on the hitch slots on the bedrails
  • Kevin O. wrote:
    I know I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed so I am hoping some of you can help me. I want to install the Reese bed rails(#RP50082-58) in my truck myself. I want this kit because it looks much stronger then the universal kit. The problem is every video I find on youtube and even the instructions from the kit shows the use of a hitch to find the placement for the front rail with no mention of any measurements?? I'm going to be buying the Pullrite 2700 Superglide hitch that adjusts to any set of bed rails.
    So the big question is, how can I find out the measurements for the front rail so I can install these without using a hitch??

    Kevin



    Same kit I installed in my previous truck 99 Superduty same truck. , The custom brackets will position the bed rails, and there is instructions that come with the bedrails that give the measurements.


    Pretty simple install, done a couple fords with this same setup, no problems. Have you bought the kit yet, all the instructions should be with it .
  • I'm sure somebody here with rails will let you know. If I still had our '06 RAM I'd measure for you, I measured it once a few years ago when I went from the 14k Drawtite that came with the truck to a 20k Reese hitch. I wasn't sure the Reese would fit on my existing rails but I was told by a local hitch dealer they're standard, sure enough the Reese dropped right in!

    Good luck with your project.

    Dan