U-Bolts for reese rails

[KevinSmith]

Has any one used a u-bolt mounting bracket for reese style rails? I have seen referances to them in posts but I cannot find anyone that sells them. Any other no drill brackets would be helpful as well.



In case there are no systems avaliable has anyone drilled the frame for the universal brackets? What do I need to watch out and make sure to not drill thru? Currantly the rails are bolted thru the box and into the the top of the rails. I am afraid that there is not enough stability there to keep the bolts from torquing and breaking. Any Advice for a shortbed?

 

[steved]

I installed a set of Reese universal rails in my 04. 5... nothing surprising.

It takes time measuring and drilling, but fishing the bolts with the little tool they provide is fairly easy. I think it took me about 4 hours to install.

The instructions are a little hard to follow as they apply to a bunch of models.

I was going to buy the no-drill mounts until I saw they were $250 on top of the hitch itself. Going on TDR recommendations and the fact my camper was only 5k pounds, I opted for the universals.

 

[Garlic]

I mounted the rails on my 96 and the 07. 5 using the universal mounting. The 07. 5 had 2 additional brackets to clear some frame parts. Used a cordless drill and simple hand tools in the driveway to do both. Measuring and the exact lay out is very important.

 

[steved]

The only other thing I'll add it there is an extra bracket you need to buy for the universal kit... cost right around $15. I had a total of $415 in the hitch and bracket.



You basically need:



The hitch (mine came with the universal rails).

The rails (if your hitch doesn't come with them).

The small bracket that is dodge specific.

 

[dan.poitras]

(Currantly the rails are bolted thru the box and into the the top of the rails. )

I hope you don't mean the bolts are in the top of the frame rails?

 

[steved]

(Currantly the rails are bolted thru the box and into the the top of the rails. )

I hope you don't mean the bolts are in the top of the frame rails?

I read it as he has the rails bolted to only the bed, and not the frame rails of the truck.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Here is online sit for installation instructions, also you can contact Reese and they will fax the instructions to you. If it is just bolted to the bed, don't tow with it. bg http://reeseprod.com/fitguides/pdf/N30035.pdf

 

[RGrizzle]

Has any one used a u-bolt mounting bracket for reese style rails? I have seen referances to them in posts but I cannot find anyone that sells them. Any other no drill brackets would be helpful as well.



In case there are no systems avaliable has anyone drilled the frame for the universal brackets? What do I need to watch out and make sure to not drill thru? Currantly the rails are bolted thru the box and into the the top of the rails. I am afraid that there is not enough stability there to keep the bolts from torquing and breaking. Any Advice for a shortbed?

i installed them(the u bolt style) on my 07. 5 mega cab . much easier than drilling the rails or welding . try etrailer.com . that's where i got mine .