Reese 5th Wheel Rails vs. Bedrug (Help)?

[dkosheba]

I am installing 5th Wheel rails this weekend and with my sport lid and Bed-rug installed I don't know what to do with the rug. I will remove rug and lid for the install. And then put it back in, but... ...



1. Can I install the rails and bolt them down on top of the bed-rug? It is basically just outdoor carpet.



All help, and or options will be appreciated.



Don

 

[jam1on1]

i had rails placed in mine two weeks ago reese said they must be bolted flat to the floor you have to cut the rug around the rails good luck

 

[HOBrian]

I would think the rug would have to be cut. The weight of your trailer will compress the rug evn though you have tighten the bolts leaving a gap for the hitch to move. Cut the carpet a little small (snug) and push the carpet around the rails for a tight fit.

 

[Sherman]

Originally posted by dkosheba

I am installing 5th Wheel rails this weekend and with my sport lid and Bed-rug installed I don't know what to do with the rug. I will remove rug and lid for the install. And then put it back in, but... ...



1. Can I install the rails and bolt them down on top of the bed-rug? It is basically just outdoor carpet.



All help, and or options will be appreciated.



Don

Bolt the rails directly to the bed,NO carpet or anything else between the bed and the rails,also DC publishes directions to weld plates to the frame of 03 & 04, these frames are hydro formed and will collapse when through bolted without spacers in side the frame,the problem is,you can't get the spacer insidr the frame, I have had 3 trucks with reese rails including an 04.

 

[JTadra]

I have a rubber bed mat and Reese hitch. I laid the mat over the rail and cut "H" shaped notches in the mat where the hitch drops in. When the hitch is out the mat closes back up. Works well, I did the same thing on my 98.

Jim

 

[OTRPU]

Me too. Use the hitch n rails for a template. Only ones I've seen mount atop anything is the sprayed liner guys.



Cheers,

Steve J.

 

[dkosheba]

Thanks again for your support

Now that I have installed the rails, I agree with all of you. The rug is out and now I am deciding whether or not to put it in, and whether to put a slit in it or cut out a strip to expose top of rail.



The bed-rug was thicker than I remembered and would have bent the rails had I tried to install and bolt down on top.



Don

 

[Steve M]

My Reese 15k is bolted in using rib-necked bolts. It was a fairly easy job and works great. I cut the bed-liner to accommodate the rails. Pics in readers rigs at left.