Installing Universal 5th Wheel Base Rails in a 2002 Toyota Tacoma

Expert Reply:

I do have an option for you to use a 5th wheel hitch in the bed of your 2002 Toyota Tacoma, but unfortunately there are no base rails from Reese that fit your Tacoma since it does not have the 8 foot bed. The instructions for part # RP30035-197 which fit an 8 foot bed specifically say it will only fit the 8 foot bed.

We have the Demco Hijacker Universal Base Rail Kit # DM8552009-71 as well as the Husky Universal Base Rail Kit # HT31563-686 which are confirmed to fir your 2002 Tundra short bed. The instructions for universal rails don't typically give specific measurements as to where the base rails need to sit since they don't install in pre-drilled hole in the body frame.

Basically the only thing that you can do to make sure that they are in the correct place is to make sure that the 5th wheel hitch head sits right above the rear axle or possibly 3 inches in front (towards the cab) of the rear axle.

Either of these kits will give you standard base rails so if you have a 5th wheel hitch that fits in standard base rails, such as part # RP30083, there will be no issues if the rails are installed correctly.

expert reply by: Jon G

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