Question on Reese Hitch Rails? 10 bolt versus 4 bolt

The 5 bolt Reese rails that I purchased were specified for the frame brackets that are turned out towards the tires. In other words they are longer than standard rails and a little thicker than the standard Reese rails in my other truck. I compared them side by side and the difference was obvious. I am not sure what additional strength is obtained with the center bolt as it only attaches to the truck bed, where as the outer bolts are attached through the frame brackets.

Thank you both for the replies.

Anyone else installed the 4 bolt rails for their fifth wheel hitch? I called RV America (who I bought this hitch from) and he assured me that either was fine but that they would work with me if I wanted to change to 10 bolt. After looking at the diagrams, it would appear to me the advantage of the 10 bolt is the carriage bolts are on the lower part of the rail whereas the 4 bolt rails have the bolts on the top of the rail. Might make sliding plywood or something like that a little more difficult.

Unless someone thinks different, I will likely go with the 4 bolt rails as the camper is arriving next week and I need to install my hitch.

Thoughts?

When I upgraded from F150 to F250 I had to purchase new rails, which turned out to be 4-bolt. The F150 used 10-bolt, go figure. Anyway, have had no problems with the 4-bolt setup. They are pretty massive, 3/4" I think. I was leery at first, but it was nice having to drill six less holes in the bed. The main thing is to be certain the frame brackets are correct for your truck.

gillman wrote:
Hello all. I just purchased a new fifth wheel Hitch - Reese 16k slider last week. The receipt said the rails were going to be 10 bolt (30035 part number - I think) but 4 bolt rails showed up. I saw that either should would but my question is: Is there an advantage of one over the other? I planned to install it myself and watched a video on how to do the 10 bolt. Haven't watched anything on the 4 bolt rails (30095 part number).

I have a 2002 Chevy 2500HD short bed. Has anyone else installed either of these rail kits in a similar truck or know the difference???

Thanks in advance for your advice!!!

John

Thats a good question, the 30035 takes five 1/2 carriage bolts per rail, and the 30095 takes two 5/8 carriage bolts per rail. It would seem that five bolts per rail would be more secure, but I doubt there would be a problem with either. I have the 10 bolt system, and have had no problems. I would prefer the 10 bolt rails , but some maybe able to speak for the 4 bolt