Installing Pullrite SuperRails

[GCrowell]

I am about to install my new Pullrite SuperFifth using the SuperRails. I don't have much in the way of a shop, (live in a townhouse), and I want to do this myself. So, have any of you tried this? My concern is the factory wheel liner on the 3500 dually. It prevents me from getting the front bracket installed on the frame around the front overload bumper. It looks like I will have to at least partially remove the liner which of course means removing the splash-guard/box running board since the splash-guard is mounted through the liner. I was wondering if any of you had this same situation and if so, did you find an 'easier way' than removing the liners? If you don't have the same rig, this word picture probably doesn't make much sense. One concern in removing the liners, it looks like they used several of those barbed push pins and I suspect they will not be reusable. So, any experience or suggestions will be appreciated.



Thanks,

George

 

[boonsur]

You'll definately have to remove the liner, but not all of it. I got away only removing the front portion (forward & "overhead" screws). It really wasn't as bad as I thought. Most of the screws (with the exception of the overhead ones) were good sheet metal screws, with positive engagement. The overheads are plastic push-pins, retained by cheap plastic screws. Be sure to use light pressure when removing to avoid stripping.



The install was pretty easy, but I screwed mine up anyway . The best tip I got was to put tape over the holes in the brackets. Then, while they are mounted in place, punch a hole with the 1/16" pilot drill, to verify location (on-center). The problem was, I didn't have the front bracket drawn-up tight to the frame when I checked (Be sure to do this!!!). Because it rides along the bump-stop bracket, it's position changes unless it's drawn-up completely. Mine checked fine (where it was), so I drilled the big holes on the right side. Ooops, now my pins don't line-up with the holes (double ). They are enough oversize, it still works fine, but looks funny. I had marked my holes with a template. So, on the left side, I compensated my holes back as appropriate. For-and-aft alignment was good, but my frame is narrower than the plan, so these holes were off in the other direction (triple ). My own fault, because I was in too big of a hurry to check that side. Everything works fine (the hitch is as solid as you can find), but it looks funny from above. It drives my anal side absolutely nuts! However, I wouldn't hesitate for a second, to do it again.



Good luck (may it be better than mine)!

 

[JRMora]

If I did this right:



http://www.tdr1.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=94768&highlight=pullrite



Ken Lenger put together a slide show showing the installation of the Pullrite in his new truck. There's lots of good information here. Follow the links for a slide show presentation.



Boonsur has some good information as well.



Juan

 

[ropinfool2]

I'm curious, are there plugs to fill the holes in the bed to keep debris from filling the pin holes? If you use your bed to haul gravel, dirt, etc... how would you keep those holes clear?? Thanks. By the way I have the B&W but was curious anyway. John

 

[klenger]

Here are my comments on the SuperRail installation. Very nice product.



http://klenger.net/dodge/pullrite/installation-comments.html

 

[GCrowell]

Guys, thanks for your comments. Ken, I really appreciate your comments as well as those of 'boonsur'. And Ken, BTW, my rear brackets came with the nuts welded on the bracket. I was trying to avoid removing the wheel well liner but it looks like I cannot avoid that step. The installation looks pretty straight forward and with these tips, it should go well.



As to plugs or covers for the holes, I did not receive any and don't think Pullrite supplies any but I did fire off an email asking that question. I can envision some plug with perhaps a short piece of tubing or thinwall pipe with a couple of ears welded on that could be inserted and turned 90* that would serve to seal off the large hole. I am thinking of something similar to the pins the rails presently mount on but cut off above the shoulder ring with perhaps a recessed pull ring. I will work on that design in my spare time!!



Again thanks for your thoughts. Maybe if it doesn't rain this weekend, I can get it installed.



George

 

[boonsur]

I think I'm going to make some black vinyl squares. Attach to the "root" of the bed ridges (either side of the hole), using either velcro, or possibly screw/snaps, like you'd use for boat canvas covers. Being down in the valley, they shouldn't be prone to sliding boards, etc. Might make an extra set with a tight fit to the pins, since they don't seal water-tight.