Placement of Reese standard bed rails?

[Kevin_O_]

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

[bpounds]

The frame kit you selected has fixed centers for the rails, unlike the universal style kit. So the rough center distance for the rails is determined for you. You need the hitch base to fine tune the fit.

Here is the install PDF which shows how the frame adapter ears will determine the rail centers.

[Coach-man]

OK, I guess I did it wrong! First when I installed my rails I had no hitch. Second, since I had a drop in bed liner in my TV, I measured from the rear of the bed to the back of the rear rail to locate the rails. Can not remember for sure, but I thought the distance between the rails was mentioned in the instructions?? I have a 2006 RAM 2500 short bed, and I will go and measure and post my measurements, I hope they are helpful, but I would try and get exact measurement for your particular TV.

[Kevin_O_]

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..

[rhagfo]

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

X2!

[WTP-GC]

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

[TomHaycraft]

Check out eTrailer.com, many purchases from that site, they've always had the necessary videos and installation how-to's I've needed.

https://www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel-Installation-Kit/Reese/RP50082-58.html

[B_O__Plenty]

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.

[jamway]

I think this link will give you what you are looking for. The only thing I could not find was the distance between the rails.

They have a phone number for help and I would think they would give you the dimensions you need.

If you have your hitch it would be real easy and probably a tad better.

http://www.reeseprod.com/content/downloads/installation/N30035.pdf

[cummins2014]

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

[cummins2014]

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 .

[dapperdan]

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