Installing 5th Wheel Rails: A Comprehensive Cost Guide
Embarking on a 5th wheel trailer upgrade? One of the first decisions you'll face is the cost of installing 5th wheel rails. This guide will help you understand the factors influencing the cost, provide a range of prices, and offer tips to ensure a smooth and budget-friendly installation.
Understanding 5th Wheel Rails and Their Importance
5th wheel rails, also known as slider hitches, are essential components that allow your truck to tow a 5th wheel trailer. They sit in the truck bed and slide to engage with the trailer's kingpin, providing a smooth and secure towing experience. Installing high-quality 5th wheel rails ensures safety, longevity, and ease of use.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Installing 5th Wheel Rails
The cost of installing 5th wheel rails varies depending on several factors:
- Rail Type: The cost of the rails themselves can range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the type (sliding, fixed, or automatic), brand, and quality.
- Truck Bed Length: Longer truck beds may require additional rails or custom installation, increasing the cost.
- Installation Complexity: Some truck makes and models may have unique installation requirements, affecting labor costs.
- Labor Costs: Labor costs vary by region and can range from $50 to $150 per hour. The total labor cost depends on the time required for installation.
Average Cost of Installing 5th Wheel Rails
The average cost of installing 5th wheel rails typically falls within the following ranges:
- Rails Only: $300 - $1,500
- Labor: $150 - $450 (2-3 hours at $50-$150 per hour)
- Total: $450 - $1,950
Cost Breakdown: A Real-life Example
Let's consider a real-life example to illustrate the cost breakdown:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sliding 5th Wheel Rails | $750 |
| Labor (3 hours at $100/hour) | $300 |
| Tax (7% sales tax) | $31.50 |
| Total | $1,081.50 |
Tips for Saving on 5th Wheel Rail Installation
To save on 5th wheel rail installation, consider the following tips:
- Purchase rails online to find the best prices.
- Shop around for competitive labor costs.
- Install the rails yourself, if you're handy and have the necessary tools.
- Consider used or refurbished rails to save money.
Final Thoughts
Installing 5th wheel rails is an investment in your towing safety and convenience. By understanding the factors affecting the cost and following our tips, you can make an informed decision and ensure a budget-friendly installation. Happy towing!
More Details
May 12, 2025 ... Hitches run from about $500 to $2000 and likely 2 hours of labor to install it. A 5th wheel uses the same standard 7-round trailer wiring that ...
Jan 9, 2021 ... We went to the local dealer (not where we purchased the 5th wheel) and they quoted $4200 for the hitch and installation. Hitch is a BMW sliding ...
Apr 21, 2023 ... MFL wrote: If you use custom mounting brackets for your exact truck, doing the install yourself would be pretty simple. The brackets and new ...
Feb 6, 2023 ... The installation costs for the most common types of tow courses begin at approximately $300 and can reach up to about $900 on the high end. The ...
Feb 15, 2026 ... ... installation time and overall labor cost, Trucks without prep need rails drilled and securely bolted to the frame, Custom mounting brackets and ...
Action Truck has a large selection of 5th wheel hitches for sale. We also have fifth wheel hitch rails, adapters and mounting brackets. Shop now.
How much does it cost to install a 5th wheel hitch? ... A professional 5th wheel hitch installation can cost anywhere from $70 to $225, depending on the hourly ...
Jun 27, 2013 ... Google both hitches and you will find prices from $300-$600 for non sliders. It took 1 guy about 1.5 hrs to install mine. At approx. $100/hr for most rv shops ...
Fifth wheel hitch installation kits are here. Find your rail kit, install kit and bracket kits needed for your specific 5th Wheel model.
A mechanic installing a trailer hitch. Propane Propane. Back to Main Menu; Propane Refill · Grilling Accessories ...
Nov 21, 2014 ... I agree, I found the rear bracket kit on E-bay for 80.00 and the place I took it to have the hitch mounted had the front mounts, looks much ...
Feb 20, 2025 ... If you bring it to an auto service center, the labor cost will generally range from $100 to $800. In many cases, your trailer will determine ...
REESE Reese 58058 - Fifth Wheel Mounting Rails Only (10 - Bolt Design). Sale price$257.67. Pay over time with Affirm. See if you qualify ...
... Price: Sale price$319.95. /. Quantity: Add to cart. Buy with. More payment ... Just because you install 5th wheel brackets and rails in your truck bed does ...
Installation bracket kits serve as the under-bed attachment needed to secure a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch to a truck. Built for vehicle-specific fitment ...
May 24, 2018 ... For your 2017 Ram 2500 short bed you'd want to use a custom install fifth wheel rail kit part # RP50054-58 to install rails in the bed of ...
Oct 15, 2017 ... I paid $450-500 to install my rails including the brackets and wiring. I paid $100 for a slightly used Husky 16K slider on craigslist. Works ...
These install brackets and rails can also be used with many other popular brands of fifth wheels. See the secondary picture above for the mounting pattern ...
30035 Fifth Wheel Hitch Installation Kit, Wheel Rail Kit for Full-Size Trucks, Fits for Use with All Reese Fifth Wheels Except Elite Series(10 - Bolt Design)
Apr 5, 2023 ... Every standard 5th wheel installation includes two rails mounted in the truck bed. Two rails allows for four mounting points for a stable hitch.
