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In Bed Rails

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Old 03-30-2010, 08:52 PM
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In Bed Rails

The PO had a hitch (fifth probably but possibly a gooseneck) with rails in the bed. I'd like to get a gooseneck and maybe a 5th wheel hitch for the truck (he took the old one out.)

My question is are all the rails the same? How about the brackets that tie the rails into the frame? In other words, does it matter what rails I buy for what kit?

Part of the problem is that he had the bed rhino lined after the hitch was installed. I just want to put the hitch in the same place and have it line up correctly. I don't want to have to re drill the bed as the holes are already there.

What hitch should I look at? I will probably usually use the goose, but occasionally may need a fifth wheel hitch too.

Thanks.
Old 03-31-2010, 06:53 PM
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I believe that all the rail kits are the same. I have reese rails in my truck,with a goose ball plate pinned in them.I pull my 5th wheel off the ball,but I could put a regular 5th wheel plate in over it if i wanted to.
Old 03-31-2010, 07:28 PM
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Where can I get the brackets to tie the rails into the frame? Anyone have a good cheap source on these? Or part numbers?
Old 03-31-2010, 08:32 PM
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Try looking up reese online,maybe they would sell you what you need.I know the whole rail kit is only about 90 bucks.
Old 03-31-2010, 10:37 PM
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I am having a fifth wheel installed in my 05 Dodge, the shop says they don't bother with pre made brackets they fab their own as needed. I sure would not go with the lowest bid on mounting, finding a quality installer is much more important to me. Having a hitch come unglued on the freeway would surely ruin my afternoon.
Old 04-01-2010, 06:19 AM
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For rails in the bed, there is a special bracket that is used for the rear rail on the Dodge trucks. If I remember right, it's because of the box frame.The installed instructions make reference to to, but most dealers don't bother and just installed the universal brackets. I ordered my kit from etrailer.com. For my new truck, I went with the bolt on kit. No holes had to be drilled in the frame. Anthony
Old 04-01-2010, 07:01 AM
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There are generic rail kits, and specific rail kits. If it's for the 98 in you're sig, I would get a generic rail kit. Comes with the 2 rails, 4 large angle pieces to secure it to the frame under the bed, and bolts. You should be able to find it for under a hundred bucks.
Old 04-01-2010, 07:18 AM
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as nkenedy said, the kits for gen1 and 2's are simple and easy. The box frame on the 3rd gen's make the needs change.
Old 04-01-2010, 05:19 PM
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Most of mine is the kit but had to fab up a couple of the frame mounts due to the air bags..
Old 04-01-2010, 05:26 PM
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I don't know how they fit in pricewise...but they're a DTR sponsor....

http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/...stall-kit.aspx
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