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Want to take the family on a cross-country adventure? Or perhaps you're planning a shorter trip to your favorite campground. Whatever your destination, it's important to have the right equipment, especially when towing a fifth wheel trailer. To ensure proper hookup and safety while towing, you'll need something to attach your fifth wheel hitch in the bed on your truck. Many pickups come equipped with factory-installed rails or puck systems, but if you don't have one of these already installed, don't worry. REESE has an extensive line of mounting rails and bracket kits, custom-made to the exact specifications needed based on your truck's year, make, and model. REESE also offers several Industry Standard designs, as well as fastener kits, spacer kits, and a Power Puck mounting kit, so you can be sure you're covered, no matter what pickup you're using to tow. So make it easy. Make it fun. Make it REESE, so you can make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
| BRAND: | REESE |
| PART NUMBER: | 56018 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 14 LBS |
| UNIVERSAL OR SPECIFIC FIT: | SPECIFIC |
| WELDING REQUIRED: | NO |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | YES |
| RAILS INCLUDED: | NO |
| DRILLING REQUIRED: | YES |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| BOLT GRADE: | Grade 8 |
| LOCKABLE: | NO |
| COLOR: | BLACK |
Reese has designed towing equipment since 1952 and remains a benchmark for heavy-duty towing. The line covers fifth wheel hitches such as the modular M5, gooseneck couplers including the Goose Box, air-ride and short-bed pin boxes, weight distribution systems with active sway control, and the accessories that connect them, all built to exceed published industry standards.
Reese has been pioneering towing performance since 1952, when Margaret Reese asked her husband TJ to stop travel trailers rocking every time somebody walked through them. His answer, the first pair of stabilising jacks, was simple and effective enough to change the RV industry. From that starting point Reese grew into a designer and manufacturer of complete towing systems, and today it anchors the heavy-duty end of the Horizon Global towing portfolio.
Fifth wheel towing is where the brand's engineering is most visible. The M5 fifth wheel hitch uses a modular design that breaks into manageable sections for assembly, with a wider stance, tighter tolerances and a shock absorption system aimed at the jolts that travel up through a truck bed. For owners who would rather tow from a gooseneck coupler and keep the bed clear, the Goose Box 20K replaces the trailer's king pin with a gooseneck connection carrying its own air-ride cushioning.
Pin boxes are a Reese speciality. The 5th Airborne uses air-ride technology to dampen road shock and reduce the chucking motion that makes fifth wheel towing tiring, while the Sidewinder was designed for short-bed pickups, pivoting the connection point so the trailer can turn sharply without the front cap meeting the cab.
For conventional towing, Reese weight distribution systems restore load to the tow vehicle's front axle and control sway. The Pro Round Bar distributes weight evenly while damping sway, and the Pro Dual Cam II uses active cam-based sway control that works harder the stronger the sway force becomes. Complete kits pair bars, head and shank to a rated tongue weight, and dedicated sway control kits can be added to existing setups. The products suit RV owners, horse and livestock haulers and anyone towing near the upper end of a vehicle's rating.
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No. The manual states: 'Do not install this product on or attempt to tow with a truck with a 5-1/2' bed unless a sidewinder pin box coupler has been installed on the trailer.' If your RAM 1500 has a 5-1/2' bed, you must have a sidewinder pin box coupler installed on the trailer before using this kit.
The kit is designed for RAM 1500 trucks with 5'-7" or 6'-4" beds. The mounting rail positioning differs between these two bed lengths, as shown in Figure 2. If your truck has a 5-1/2' bed, a sidewinder pin box coupler must be installed on the trailer.
You will need: wrenches in 3/4", 11/16", and 8mm sizes; drill bits in 1/8", 9/16", and 13/16" sizes; a center punch; a measuring tape; a torque wrench; and a die grinder with a carbide tip. The fastener kit 56018F is included.
Yes. Step 1 requires you to lower and remove the spare tire as needed. If your truck has an inner plastic wheel well liner, you must also remove the wheel well liners to allow access to the frame with an 8mm socket.
No, not over a plastic bed liner. The manual states: 'Do not install mounting rails over plastic bed liners. Plastic bed liners must be cut out of the way to provide metal to metal contact.' However, the kit can be installed on spray-in liners, which do not need to be removed.
Yes. The installation requires drilling multiple holes in the truck bed and frame. You will drill 1/8" pilot holes first (Step 3), then enlarge them to 9/16" for 1/2" bolts (Step 6). Row 2 holes in the truck bed must be enlarged to 13/16", and the slot in the bed crossmember must be opened from 5/8" to 13/16" (Step 7). A die grinder with carbide bit is recommended for the slot work.
The manual warns: 'Recommend using a die grinder with a grinding stone or a carbide bit from below to open slots in crossmember. The drill will catch in the slot and possibly cause injury.' Always work from below the truck bed when enlarging the slot to avoid the drill catching and causing harm.
The manual warns: 'When drilling holes be aware of potential risks to vehicle components above & below the truck bed and make appropriate safe guards to protect them from damage.' Ensure you protect fuel lines, brake lines, wiring, and other components that may be above or below the drilling area.
Torque all 1/2" Grade 8 hardware to 110 ft-lbs. Torque all 7/16" hardware to 50 ft-lbs. First torque the bed mounting rails to the frame brackets, then torque the frame brackets to the truck frame. All bolts and nuts are Grade 8 unless otherwise specified.
110 ft-lbs. This applies to all 1/2" Grade 8 hardware, including the bed mounting rail fasteners and frame bracket fasteners.
50 ft-lbs. This applies to all 7/16" hardware used in the frame bracket assembly.
Hand-tighten all fasteners during assembly (Steps 4, 13). Once all components are positioned and aligned, first torque the bed mounting rails to the frame brackets, then torque the frame brackets to the truck frame. Use 110 ft-lbs for 1/2" Grade 8 hardware and 50 ft-lbs for 7/16" hardware.
The fishwire is a temporary tool to hold bolts in place while installing frame brackets. Insert two 7/16" x 1-3/4" bolts (6) and blocks (5) into the rectangular hole in the frame, keeping both fishwires attached to the bolts. Thread the fishwires through the frame bracket as you position it over the mounting holes. Once the conical washer is installed, push the washer to one side to pinch and hold the bolt, then remove the fishwire and install the nut. The fishwire prevents bolts from dropping into the frame during assembly.
If the holes do not align, restart the installation at Step 3 or 13 by adjusting the 1/8" holes in the truck bed. The manual states: 'Check that the 1/8" drilled holes from step 3 or 13 align with the holes of the frame bracket. If holes do not align, restart the installation at step 3 or 13 by adjusting 1/8" holes in bed of truck.' Do not proceed until alignment is confirmed.
Use a measuring tape to center the rail between the weld seams on the length of the truck box floor or wheel well, and measure the proper distance from the rear edge of the truck (see Figure 2 for specific measurements: 50 1/4" from rear edge of truck bed to rear edge of front rail, and 2 11/16" spacing). Ensure the mounting rail is centered between the weld seams to ensure the fifth wheel has a snug fit. If using multiple hitch products, install both rails at the same time to align them properly.
Spacer blocks (12) and tube spacers (13) are used in Row 2 bolt locations to maintain proper spacing and alignment. The tube spacers (3/4" O.D. x 2.6") are installed in the Row 2 bolt locations after the spacer blocks are placed on the mounting brackets. Additionally, 9/16" washers (25) are provided to take up gaps between the bracket and spring tower due to frame variations.
Yes. Step 12 requires you to remove wire harness retainers (tree style) from the frame using an appropriate tool. One retainer is required on the driver's side, and up to 3 are required on the passenger side if the truck has air suspension. After installation, you must refasten all wire harnesses with the cable ties provided (Step 19).
The manual notes: 'If you need a little more vertical room to install brackets, the bed crossmembers close to the axle are not bolted to the frame and can be lifted to help bracket installation.' You may need to use leverage to move the truck bed up slightly, but you must ensure you do not cause any damage to the truck bed.
Install the 7/16" conical washer (9) over the two bolts, then install the 7/16-14 nut (10) over the bolts. During final tightening, the bolt lengths should extend beyond the nut by the same amount on both sides. If they do not, the blocks in the frame are not flat against the frame. The hint suggests keeping the fishwire on the bolts until after the washer is installed, then pushing the washer to one side to pinch and hold the bolt while removing the fishwire and installing the nut.
Both front and rear brackets follow similar installation procedures using fishwires and conical washers. However, the rear installation has a key difference on the passenger side: it uses one longer fastener (23) and a larger block (7) in the frame, rather than two standard bolts. Additionally, Step 13D requires using a 7/16" fishwire in the rear hole of the rear bracket and fishing it to a larger slot at the rear of the frame to install block (7) and bolt (6).
Place the unassembled fifth wheel legs/slider/goose into the already-installed front mounting rail. Position the rear rail by inserting the tabs into the mounting rail and pushing the mounting rail tight towards the front mounting rail. Ensure the mounting rail is centered between the weld seams on the length of the truck box floor. If using multiple hitch products, install both rails at the same time to ensure one product does not compromise the fit of the other.
The Reese 56018 kit includes fastener kit 56018F. Some fasteners marked with an asterisk (*) in Figure 3 are supplied with the 30153 rail kit, not the 56018 kit. These include: 1/2-13 x 4-1/2" carriage bolts (14), 1/2-13 x 1-3/4" carriage bolts (15), 1/2" conical washers (16), 1/2-13 nuts (17), and U-shaped spacers (18). The manual notes: 'Not all fasteners are used.'
The U-shaped spacers (18) are installed with the front and rear rail attachment bolts (14, 15) to maintain proper spacing and alignment. They are positioned as shown in Figure 3 to ensure the mounting rail is properly supported and does not move.
Bolt 14 must be centered in the existing slot of the bed crossmember (see Figure 4). The manual states: 'Note, bolt 14 must be centered in the existing slot of bed crossmember see figure 4.' This ensures proper load distribution and prevents the bolt from shifting during use.
After installation, verify that all fasteners are properly torqued (1/2" Grade 8 to 110 ft-lbs, 7/16" to 50 ft-lbs). Ensure the mounting rails are centered between the weld seams and that the fifth wheel has a snug fit to the truck. Confirm that all wire harnesses have been refastened with the provided cable ties and that the spare tire and wheel well liners have been replaced.
Check mounting system bolt tightness once per year. This is listed under Owner Responsibilities in the manual.
The manual states: 'Under no circumstances do we recommend exceeding the towing vehicle manufacturers recommended vehicle towing capacity.' Always verify your RAM 1500's towing capacity with the vehicle manufacturer and do not exceed it when using this mounting kit.
Yes. The manual states: 'Always measure truck and trailer before installing hitch to be sure that there is clearance at the cab and at the bumper to allow for turns.' This ensures the fifth wheel will not interfere with the cab or bumper during turning.
The Reese 56018 is a Custom Quick Install Mounting Kit designed to mount the Reese 30153 rail on RAM 1500 trucks with 5'-7" or 6'-4" beds. It provides the frame brackets, fasteners, and hardware needed to securely attach the fifth wheel mounting rails to the truck frame and bed.
The kit includes fastener kit 56018F, which contains all bolts, nuts, washers, blocks, spacers, and cable ties needed for installation. Some fasteners are supplied with the separate 30153 rail kit. The manual notes that not all fasteners are used.
Yes. The manual states: 'Use only bolts, nuts, and washers supplied to install this kit. All bolts and nuts are Grade 8 unless otherwise specified.' You must use only the supplied fasteners to ensure proper strength and safety.
The kit fits RAM 1500 trucks with 5'-7" or 6'-4" beds. If your truck has a 5-1/2' bed, you must have a sidewinder pin box coupler installed on the trailer. Always verify your truck's bed length and check the Reese website for the latest fitment information.
You need wrenches (3/4", 11/16", 8mm), drill bits (1/8", 9/16", 13/16"), a center punch, measuring tape, torque wrench, and a die grinder with carbide tip. The fastener kit 56018F is included.
Yes, you must lower and remove the spare tire. If your truck has a plastic wheel well liner, remove it too to access the frame.
No. Plastic bed liners must be cut away to provide metal-to-metal contact. Spray-in liners are acceptable and do not need to be removed.
Yes. You will drill 1/8" pilot holes, then enlarge them to 9/16" for 1/2" bolts. Row 2 holes must be enlarged to 13/16", and the bed crossmember slot must be opened from 5/8" to 13/16" using a die grinder.
Torque 1/2" Grade 8 hardware to 110 ft-lbs and 7/16" hardware to 50 ft-lbs. Torque bed rails to frame brackets first, then frame brackets to truck frame.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. Do not install on a 5-1/2' bed without a sidewinder pin box coupler on the trailer. Always measure truck and trailer clearance at the cab and bumper before installing.
Check mounting system bolt tightness once per year. Register your product at reeseprod.com/register-product and save your warranty sheet and receipt.
Restart the installation at Step 3 or 13 by adjusting the 1/8" holes in the truck bed. The manual states: 'If holes do not align, restart the installation at step 3 or 13 by adjusting 1/8" holes in bed of truck.' Do not proceed with enlarging holes until alignment is confirmed. Reposition the mounting rail and re-mark the hole locations using the frame bracket as a guide.
This indicates that the blocks in the frame are not flat against the frame. The manual states: 'During final tightening the bolt lengths should extend beyond the nut the same amount. If this is not the case, the blocks in the frame are not flat against the frame.' Loosen the fasteners, reposition the blocks to ensure they are fully seated against the frame, and retighten. Verify that the conical washers are properly installed.
Due to frame variations, four 9/16" washers are provided to take up gaps between the bracket and spring tower. Install these washers as needed to fill the gap. The manual states: 'Due to frame variations (4) 9/16" washers are provided to take up gap between bracket and spring tower (see fig. 5).' Figure 5 shows the washers (25) installed as required to fill gaps from frame variations.
Stop immediately. The manual warns: 'The drill will catch in the slot and possibly cause injury.' Use a die grinder with a grinding stone or carbide bit instead, working from below the truck bed. This prevents the drill from catching and causing injury. Never use a standard drill to enlarge the slot.
Sam
The staff was able to quickly assist me with locating the correct product I needed. Shipping was really fast. Item arrived in 2 days. Will be using TowUniverse again!!
May 22, 2023
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