xzaq103

OK guys here it is I need to put in my fifth wheel bars. The thing is the guy that had my 98 before me had some in there and pulled them before he sold it what he did though is he left the l brackets that bolt to the frame on there. I have my old bars from my 3500 and I have all of the hardware…I think so what should I do should I take it to a place and have them install it for anywhere from 55 an hour to 15 to install the whole thing? If it were to install it all including brackets id take it somewhere but since there already on I think I can do this myself and save some green. What are you thoughts? Also does anyone have any tips?

Busboy

First see if the holes in the bed line up with the holes in YOUR rails. As some rails mount across the bed and some mount fore and aft, you may have a different hitch than what came out. If they do match installation would be a breeze.

geauxdevil

Just set your rails in place, install your hitch in the rails, pin them in, and bolt the assembly down.
I installed mine in my currant truck and my previous truck with a little help from a friend.

xzaq103

They match up any idea on what to torque them to?

crabbelle

goodentight and then after on pull a few miles check to see if they may have lossen or use thread lock.

geauxdevil

Tighten 1/2" bolts to 72 ft-lbs.
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xzaq103

Well turns out 2 bolts dont fi they arent threded enough so i put 2 grade 2 bolts in. Imthinking about going with this just tomorrow round trip is 40-50 miles. Then monday finding grade 8s. Do you guys think i will be safe

There probably overtight lol i tend to bend wrenches.

xzaq103

well guys i decided not to pull it with my truck. Im going to barrow my dads 05. I decide tonight to check and make sure all the bolts were tight. I broke one of the grade 2s by tighting it with a wrench..... The head broke clean off. I also bent the wrench but we wont talk about that.

Thundercraft

I think a wise man. I don't care if it was around the block.... grade 2s were not going to cut it.

xzaq103

Yeah when they thing snaped i was thinking i shouldnt be doing this.

Busboy

I use grade 8 carriage bolts (domed head but has a square under the dome) that way one person can install. I make them as tight as I can with a 1/2 inch drive ratchet as you can't get in with a torque wrench.