hopefully a silly question

[dfortier]

I really should have asked before i order our new hitch (reeese R20), but there is only one size king pin for campers correct? All i can find on the internet is mention of 2" (for "smaller application" it said) and then 3 1/2" (for 18 wheelers). We are looking at trailers with a GVWR of 13500-14000 if that helps(specifically the primetime crusader 334 at the moment).

thanks in advance

[dfortier]

started the install, but weather got in the way. We are putting the pin dead center of the rear axle. reason being we already at 4740/6000 on the front axle with just me and a load of fuel. in addition to the wife and two dogs we are also planning on adding a in bed fuel tank before we go across country, so we dont want to overload the front axle.

With the chevy custom kit, there is most certainly no frame drilling. it was a little nerve racking putting that first hole in the bed though, i must have measured 10 time lol 🙂

[dfortier]

wow, I would be very upset if that happened. hoping to install when we get back on Monday so I guess we shall see.

[avvidclif1]

You gotta love it. I ordered a custom underbed bracket kit for my 2009 F350 pickup. No Drill specified and said so on the front page of the installation instructions. The second page showed mounting the front brackets in the holes in the frame, next up was the rear brackets. One hole was there and then the instructions clearly stated DRILL a hole for the second bolt. HUH, no drill????

[dfortier]

Bandaid wrote:
When you say "do it yourself," do you mean to install the hitch in your tow vehicle yourself? Could be a simple task if you already have bed rails in the bed, but if you have never installed a fifth wheel hitch, make sure you do your research as to the placement of it. My experience tells me the center point of the pin should be two inches ahead of the center of the differential/ axles!

bandaid

I will be installing everything myself. I order custom install bracket (part #56001) and outboard rail kit (part 30153). This will make the job a lot easier since there is no frame drilling and the rail bolts will be on the outside of the frame(and away from the fuel tank). I've watched a number of videos and read the direction a few time so im feeling pretty confident. If all else fails and the proverbial you know what hits the fan, I have a friend who is a certified auto mechanic 🙂

[Bandaid]

When you say "do it yourself," do you mean to install the hitch in your tow vehicle yourself? Could be a simple task if you already have bed rails in the bed, but if you have never installed a fifth wheel hitch, make sure you do your research as to the placement of it. My experience tells me the center point of the pin should be two inches ahead of the center of the differential/ axles!

bandaid

[dfortier]

Thanks for the replies/info. Hoping to get a new second home before the season ends 🙂 The do it your self route, while a bit scary will save us a good amount of money that we can put towards some other new items to go with the camper.

[Old-Biscuit]

That hitch is rated at 20,000#
The trailers GVWR 13,500-14,000#
Your truck 2012 3500 SRW

You are doing just fine....great hitch and rated higher than trailer and the truck to pull it with.

Only thing you need to check out is bedrail clearance when you decide on rig.

Happy shopping......then go camping!

[2oldman]

yes