Hi All,
See if this thread works better then my last....

Just finished installing a used 5th wheel hitch in my F-250. After purchasing a Reese #30051 Slider and top rails from a 3rd party, I then needed the frame brackets to complete the job, knowing the original L-brackets from the original installation were welded onto the other guys frame.

Even though I have a long bed and a slider wasn't necessary, the price was worth the purchase.

First I must give a major shout out to Bill Pounds for taking numerous pictures of his hitch set up last night after 9 pm when we needed some info to go forward. Unbelievable!!! Thanks Bill.

Now, after not finding the standard L-brackets for this installation available separately #30035 and not needing another set of top rails, I found the "quik install mounting brackets" available from Reese, #50082.

As you can see below in the pictures, these brackets are 3/8" thick and pretty beefy for what I expect to be a +15k gvw toy hauler. These brackets allow for 3 of the 4 top rails to be directly connected to the truck frame. The last row (furthest forward) are only mounted into the bed. The L-bracket type only allow for 2 of the 4 to be directly frame connected, hence a little more confidence.

It only took about 4 hours to complete this installation, not needing to drill and holes into the truck frame for mounting. No need to remove the emergency brake bracket either as necessary with other installations.

Hope this helps others when making these choices.




Basic side view. No welding or drilling req.



You can see the beefy 3/8" frame brackets to allow the top rails a solid connection to the frame



The furthest most top rail row of bolts are only secured to the bed with the extra large washers



You can see the u-bolt that secures around the front of the bracket to the truck frame. Notice the way the bracket is cut to avoid moving the brake cable bracket



The center 2 bolts on the top rails only mount into the bed, again with larger washers.



Here you can see the driver side front. Half of the front top rail bolts mount directly to the frame bracket. The front row of bolts, mounts into the truck bed.



Top rails securely mounted with the hitch pins in place.



Finally completed. Time to head out of town!!!

 

Looks good.

 

I have the same brackets for my rails. I had mine installed by a pro and they put bolts in all 4 center holes. Think I could tow a freight train with this set up.

 

Great install!

I have a Reese 18K signature series slider myself. Mine is a hidden hitch though.

They make some stout assemblies.

 

Well All,
We bit the big one and worked a deal on this 2006 toy trailer y/day. (Wanted to post in this forum after posting also in the local chapter).

Bill, to your point, we only have about 5" between the truck rail and trailer as seen below. I will have to raise the hitch up a notch to get at least the 6" necessary. The pin box is already down as low as possible.

In hooking this unit up y/day with the slider hitch out, I was able to keep the tailgate down while hooking up the pin. Once completed, closing the tailgate and moving the slider up to towing position was a breeze. I will keep the slider rather than changing out the base as this was a nice way to hook up.
Thanks for the advise Bill.

See the "new guy" below. I like the 32' length as it's not too long, yet with triples, allows for added safety. It's an all aluminum frame with only 9900 UVW (unloaded veh wt). I does have a 15,500 GVWR with approx 5,600# in available load capacity, although I can't imagine ever using all of that. I does require a non-commercial A license here in Cal. being over 15k, but we've already got that.

The truck GCWR is 23,000 and it weighs approx 8,800 so with the max wt of 15,500 trailer, I have an available -1,300 to haul. What it really means is that I need to haul less than 14,200 max including trailer and truck. No way I'll pull 4,300#'s in added weight when hauling just motorcycles.

 

Great looking trailer, we love our toy box . I have hauled so much more than toys ( Jeeps , motorcycles , sand rails ) . We've helped out with a Habit for humanity home and we needed to have power ( run saws ,air compressers , nail guns and lights ) thank god it has a generator and open space in back so we could haul in 30 sheets of wall board and 15 rolls of insulation. Once you have your bed to buttom of trailer clearance you might want to add a set of air bags to help with load leveling . Happy trails . olllllo

 

great looking setup. you will have many happy adventures. start a log book for the trailer. keep track of dates, where you traveled and est miles you put on the rig.

 

Great idea to log trips as time goes by way too fast and before you know it, years blend together.
Also, I'm raising up the hitch today to see if I need air bags or additional rear support. More to follow.
Thanks guys for the nice comments. Can't wait to get on the road.

 

As a follow up from my last post, I raised the 5th wheel hitch up to the top setting from the original setting Now I have almost 7" between the truck bed rails and the trailer. Much better clearance to avoid contact when on uneven surfaces. Headed to beach at Ventura in the morning to try it out.
Can't wait.