5th Wheel front rail anchored to hat channel only....

R12RTee wrote:

bucky wrote:
What's a hat channel?

That was my question also. I learned something already today and it's only 7 AM.
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Hat Channels can also be described as a Roll Formed Metal U-Channel with a bottom horizontal web and 2 vertical legs with outward flanges. These outward flanges can also be called Wings or Fins.

Hats under truck beds would be upside down hats. These are just stamped out of sheet metal, and are the points the bed rest on the truck frame. The flanges are spot welded to the bottom side of the bed. I installed my used Hijacker hitch from my 93 Ram in my 2001.5 Ram and the one rail is center on the hat. I made spaces to go in the hat. Chris

sfpcservice wrote:
Just got done installing a used Husky 15k in my 05 ram 2500. I used a new UNIVERSAL INSTALL KIT

Dodge trucks require a custom bracket kit for either 4 bolt or 10 bolt install. You can use either the DRILL or NO DRILL kit.
You can check here: Husky bracket info

The hat rail spacer keeps from crushing the hat rail when tightened down to the frame bracket. You must have all four corners attached to the frame. If not it will tear out of the floor of the truck bed.

In VA a vehicle will not pass safety inspection if:

7. Fifth wheel has any broken, missing, or damaged parts; or is not securely attached to the frame.

8. Trailer king pin is not secure, or is broken or worn so as to prevent secure fit in fifth wheel.

9. Any movement is detected at any location where any device has been placed between the body and the chassis.
(quoted directly from Va State Police Inspection Manual)

We drill/weld Dodge/Ram truck frames even after they went to the hydro formed frame rails in '03 per Dodge Body Builders guide instructions and TSB 13-001-03 dated 2-7-03.
My current '03 Dodge trucks frame mounted hitch brackets were welded into the main frame rails when I bought the truck new per my request. No issues. In fact many upfitters recommend their products to be attached with a solid weld instead of a bolt and nut or frame clamps.

I would use all 4 anchor brackets mounted to the trucks main frame. Then use the spacers if required when attaching the bed rails.

Do your self a favor box it up send it back and install a B&W system and forget those bed rails that are in the way all the time.

Their system requires no drilling into the frame. Do not drill the frame!

Pretty sure that the Dodge hydro formed frame wants you to use the U bolt (no drill) brackets also....

They don't want you drilling into the frame for the universal kits.

bucky wrote:
What's a hat channel?

That was my question also. I learned something already today and it's only 7 AM.
----------------------------------------------------
Hat Channels can also be described as a Roll Formed Metal U-Channel with a bottom horizontal web and 2 vertical legs with outward flanges. These outward flanges can also be called Wings or Fins.

What's a hat channel?

You need the four points of contact.

katysdad wrote:
what is your TV ?

sfpcservice wrote:
Just got done installing a used Husky 15k in my 05 ram 2500.

Doesn't mention bed length, but regardless of that all 4 points need to mount to the frame. I bought the custom mounts for my SB 2500 and had to slightly alter the rear leaf spring frame forward mounts, but it's got "teeth" into the frame.

2005 Dodge Ram 2500 4 door short bed.