installing reese 5th wheel rails

[FMcClaren]

Hi guys
Has anyone installed there own rails? The front L bracket seems to want to go were the shock mount is, It,s close, but I was wondering if maybe the front one has to be welded. The truck is a 01 2500 4x4 8ft box.
THANKS FOR ANY HELP
Mac B

 

[Barry]

DO NOT WELD. Make sure the "kingpin" is at least center of the axle or 2 to 3 inches ahead of the axle. We mount Reese rails for our RV customers on a regular basis and do not weld.

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2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, EZ with elbow(26. 5PSI)Stage 1 injectors from Carl, Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. 31,000 Miles on 03/01/01(RV Dealer)

 

[B.G. Smith]

Reese will fax you a set of instructions if you need them. I installed mine the next day after picking up the truck, sure hated to drill holes in that new bed. bg

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 110 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Mac B,

Barry is right!! DO NOT WELD. Also be careful when drilling the frame on the driver's side and don't cut a brake line. Drill pilot holes first the go to the correct size makes it easier. The frame rails drill pretty easy with sharp drill bits and an air powered drill.

Bill

 

[FMcClaren]

I thank you vary much for the info guys. These rails came off my 98 4x2. I don,t have instruction sheet but i took all the measurements and a few pictures before removing them. They were centered over axle on the 98, but I,m going to move them forward a little. NO WELDING
Thanks again
Mac B

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01 2500 Bright silver QC A/T 4x4 LB 3. 54

 

[CWade]

Mac,
Above the axle, on the bottom of the bed you will find two box channels running from left to right. The rear Reese rail centers over the rear box channel with the bolts through the flanges. Look close in the bed of your truck and you will see the spot welds. Line up the rear rail with the spot welds that hold the box channel in. The rear row of bolts for the front Reese rail go through the front flange of the front box channel. Again line the bolt holes up with the spot welds. Be sure to have the 5th wheel assembled and centered before drilling any holes. Hitch will be 2 or 3 inches forward of axle center.

Good Luck,
Charlie

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2001. 5 3500 Quad Cab 4X2
HO, 6 spd, 3. 55AS, Jacob's brake, patriot blue, 22K Reese 5th wheel,Reese digital brake controller, Isspro pyro & boost gauges, Snap-On tool box