I am currently installing a pyrometer in my great uncle's 2007 Cummins mega cab 4x4, and I noticed that whoever installed his fifth wheel rails in the bed, tightened the U-bolts so tight that they crushed the ribs in his bed!!! I would be furious if someone did this to my $40k truck. Have any of you guys had this problem? I thought there should be a spacer which would prevent this from happening when tightening the mounting bolts.

 

I had rails installed on three trucks, none crushed the bed ribs. All installed at Camping World.

 

No, but when mine was installed they pushed the rear bolts from the inside out and the first time I hooked up and hit a big bump the bolts bent past the rear of my springs and locked the suspension in a loaded position. had to use a sawsall to cut the springs free
at first I thought I broke an axle or springs.

 

The easy install kit I bought (Easy is a misnomer) had spacers to keep it from being crushed. They were not easy to get in the rails, so I would guess someone took the short route and didn't use them. Thats why I do My own work. If I don't like the outcome, I know who to blame.

 

I agree. I do 99.9% of all my own work. I'm not letting some jackleg mechanic commit a FUBAR on my truck.

 

Yep they should have had spacers.

 

Also if memory serves me correctly, Those bolts are suppose to be torqued to 100-110 ft lbs. If the spacers are not there I seriously doubt they are tightened properly unless they got crushed to the point that the top & bottom of the channel make complete contact. Not good when trying to pull 10-15k.

 

Mine came with spacers too, and I used them when I installed the hitch.

 

Put my own hitch in. Spacers here.