gonna need more then "The hitch is a valley rated at 16K"
Which one?
what truck is it going in?

 

I could not get to the location under the truck where the rails attached...paid a truck outfitter to install the rails. Well worth the money.

 

Get the no drill bracket kit for the truck. Easy to install your self.
If you have a valley/husky 16K slider I still have all the mounting instructions.
But with your truck I would go with the no drill brackets.
If you need I can take some picks of my install.

 

x2 This is the kit. After it's bolted to both sides of the frame, you can see exactly where the bed rails go.

 

I just need to know how the rails attach under the bed rails. I know there is a bolt that goes from the rail to the bracket, but dont know if the bracket is suppose to be touching the underside of the bed? If there are any spacers between the bracket and bed? If the rails are suppose to be resting on the bed?

I was thinking that I line everything up first in the bed, measure, then drill holes in bed so I can line up the brackets before I drill the bracket holes in the frame? Does that sound right?

 

There is spacers for the rise and fall of the bed coragation
You need to put the pin of the 5er ahead of the axle I think 1"(not sure but sounds right)
Measure twice, drill once.

 

This might help
http://www.etrailer.com/tv-fifth_wheel_install_chevy_2500hd_2006.aspx

Watch it a few times and you'll be an expert...

 

A few years ago... while visiting the neighborhood garage the guys were installing a 5th wheel hitch for a client. After seeing all the effort they made drilling the frame etc., I decided then and there if I ever needed one installed I would not be worth my effort!
So a few years later I needed a 5'r hitch and was glad to let a hitch shop do the deed for only a few $ more than the hitch purchase. Watched them do the work and it still looked like a real pain-in-the-arse.
In my opinion it was money well spent

 

It doesnt look to hard just time consuming.... I checked one shop and they want $300 to install with a plug in the bed. But then again that may be money well spent to know it was put in correctly... I am still undecided but leaning towards taking it in. I will call some other shops to see what they charge.

Thanks guys for the help.

 

I have installed several sets of rails,always use grade 8 bolts.The bolts that pass thru the frame for the front brackets are hard to access.Reese rail kits come with a wire that hooks onto the bolts that go thru frame making things a lot easier,also the bolts have serrated shafts below the head to keep the bolt from turning so no need to try and get a wrench on the back side of the front ones.Drilling the frame is easy,I always set the rails in the bed with the hitch where you want it,2 inches ahead of axle for me,drill the holes thru the bed,install the brackets and then drill the frame.Rails and brackets should contact bed,use u-shaped washers as needed for shims on under side as the floor has ribs that will crush.Have not seen the no drill bracket kit but sounds like it would make it simple for a novice to do his own intall.

 

Does 2" ahead of the axle matter as opposed to right over? Is that the proper way to mount these hitches as I have heard that more then once?

 

I bought my rail installation kit from a local Rv dealer and it has all the instructions and every thing you need but the drill.

 

The 2 inches ahead of axle is pretty much the standard and will put more weight to the front axle than having the pin directly over the rear axle,how significant this is I couldnt say.I once had a half-ton with a 8 ft. box and things worked out where I placed the pin 4 inches ahead and that definitely put some weight on the front.

 

After drilling the frame and the bed of the truck did anyone use any sort of paint/coating to made sure rust won't start there? I feel the need to use something but I don't know what would be best.

 

77 K20,

I have used POR-15 for similar applications with excellent results. There are other similar products such as Rust Bullet that wil most likely give you similar results.