Side Rails On RBW 15000# Hitch

[02SilverStroke]

My hitch is a 15000# RBW, similar to this one: http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-hitches/rbw-15k-5th-wheel-hitch.htm. Lately when I have tried to install it in the bed, the hitch will not slide in very easy without me tapping it in a bit at the time on each side. Today I "eyeballed" the rails and they are both slightly bent. Would it be better to try to bend the rails back, or should I attempt to buy new rails?

 

[Frankenstien]

You should have had some "Spacer plates" that went under the rails. Since Ive had mine I have always had to use a 15lb adjustment tool to get the hitch all the way in.... on Edit, if you have to, you can loosen the Bolts from the "L" brackets on the frame, re-align then tighten.

 

[02SilverStroke]

You should have had some "Spacer plates" that went under the rails. Since Ive had mine I have always had to use a 15lb adjustment tool to get the hitch all the way in.... on Edit, if you have to, you can loosen the Bolts from the "L" brackets on the frame, re-align then tighten.

I found something at the front, I figured it was a place for the hitch to stop when it was pushed in. Now, when I put in the hitch, I first oil it really well, then basically kick it in with my heel, first one side, then the other until it's in place, then put down the pins and lock them.

 

[WD40]

The rails is why I like the Reese Hitch.
http://www.reese-hitches.com/WD/dra...-hitches.htm?gclid=CJqS8tL95YgCFSJYPgodF16-pg

 

[Frankenstien]

I have Love hate relationships, with a lot of the hitches out there... The reese, seems ... at least to me, to have too many parts that can fail... however they do mount much easier. My RBW same as what 02 has, is simple, but does not have the side to side mobility that I do some times require. My RBW is a REAL PIA to get in or out, as my bed was once used to haul multiple 3308s around ... without being tied down... needless to say it is not exacltly flat....

 

[powerboatr]

my reese is the same way
but a little coaching from a rubber mallet and its all good
i loosened and retightned each bolt a few times, with the hitch in.
now it always sems to get tight after we pull, so i assume the frame is twisting or the nuckle head enlarged the bolt holes when he installed it
so i live with it now.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Would it be better to try to bend the rails back, or should I attempt to buy new rails?

I would get a new hitch with the cross-bed style base rails.

At work, we refer to the style of 5th wheel hitch in your linked picture as an old style hitch. We do not sell or do we install the old style hitches. Even if someone drags an old style hitch in and wants it installed in a new truck, we won't do it for liability issues. Our service manager (also happens to be one of the owners) has been in the RV business for something like 30 years. He says that over the years he has seen many failures of the old style hitches.

One of the more popular 15K 5th wheel hitches is the RBW Little Rocker. It is sold under 2 or 3 different brand labels and are available from about any RV dealer. With the cross-bed style bed rails, it can be removed in just a couple of minutes.

 

[dryden2004]

looking for any member that has any info on install of brakesmart controler (in dash mounting ) ford F350 2004 terry