Trying to determine previous owners hitch brand

[Ncostello]

My 1999 2500 QC short bed 2WD had a hitch in the bed by the previous owner. I'm assuming it was a 5th wheel hitch as it has what I think are 4 holes in the bed for mounting the cross rails.



From what I gather... usually rails are mounted using 8 holes... 2 on each end of 2 rails. But mine uses only 4 holes. Which type or brand of hitches use only 4 holes to mount the rails? I found that possibly the Reese Signature Series uses 4... but this is a relatively new product and I doubt this is what was installed.



I'd like to buy something that didn't require me to re-drill any holes in the bed since I already have some there. I'd prefer a hidden ball gooseneck hitch... but if I could just get the proper rails I would settle for a rail mounted goosneck ball.



I sure wish it was the Signature Series... since the rails are easy to remove when not in use allowing the full use of the bed floor.



Thanks in advance as I know nothing about bed type hitches other than I like the hidden ball hitches better than 5th wheel types. All I need to pull is a gooseneck tandem axle trailer for small equipment such as bobcats and mini excavators etc. This stuff is available for me where I work if I can get hooked up to it.

 

[KBalzuweit]

Most hitch rails are mounted using four bolts through the bed and then 8 bolts into the frame through theL brackets. My guess would be reese. It seems to be the most common. Stop by your local rv dealership, they should have them instock and just lay one over the holes in your bed.

 

[Ncostello]

Thanks! There is a large RV dealership about 15 miles away. I'll stop in. The holes are about 5/8" dia and they line up with some holes in the frame... obviously where the L brackets or frame brackets are placed. I measured the pattern and back set from the front of the bed... but like you said its easier to set something in there and see what works.



I suppose I really didn't want rails mounted in the bed all the time. Guess I'll just have to adapt to them. At least I'll be able to use a gooseneck trailer or a 5th wheel if ever needed. I rarely pull a trailer... then again I rarely haul something that must be absolutely flat on the bed... like drywall sheets. So the rails won't be that big of a deal.



I was thinking the rails would allow for the solid mounting of some kind of custom welded frame or assembly that would securely hold tractor suitcase weights (like those on the front of a tractor). This would allow for convenient weight placement during snow months. 2WD's aren't the best thing going in snow and I never wanted loose weight in the bed.

 

[rwitt]

I recently installed a "Husky" 5th wheel hitch in the bed of my parents truck to tow their 5'ver. It has 4 - 5/8" bolt holes through the bed which attaches to the L bracketts on the frame. Maybe this is the brand that was installed in your truck. A friend of theirs has a Reese hitch and it has 8 - 1/2" holes through the bed floor.

Rich