Underbed hitch mounting system

Abstract

An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.

Having thus described the invention, we claim: 
     
         1 . A hitch mounting system comprising:
 a pair of tubular members having cross-sectional shapes a substantial portion of which is defined by an enclosed peripheral wall with a generally hollow section;   a central member positioned between the pair of tubular members and attached to an underside of at least one of the pair of tubular members, the central member comprising a hitch ball socket; and   first and second pairs of solid members, the first pair of solid members attached to one of the pair of tubular members and the second pair of solid members attached to an other of the pair of tubular members, the first and second pair of solid members configured to attach to a frame of a vehicle.   
     
     
         2 . The hitch mounting system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second pair of solid members each comprise a pair of receiving members. 
     
     
         3 . The hitch mounting system of  claim 1 , wherein the second pair of solid members are of a different configuration than the first pair of solid members. 
     
     
         4 . A hitch mounting system comprising:
 a pair of rails, each of the pair rails comprising a tubular member and first and second solid members attached to each side of the tubular member, the solid members configured to attach to a frame of a vehicle;   a mid rail connected to an underside of at least one of the rail, wherein the mid rail comprises a hitch ball socket; and   a pair of receiving members included with the rail, wherein each of the receiving members are configured to engage a respective leg of a fifth wheel hitch.   
     
     
         5 . The hitch mounting system of  claim 4 , wherein the tubular member has a cross-sectional shape a substantial portion of which is defined by an enclosed peripheral wall with a generally hollow section. 
     
     
         6 . The hitch mounting system of  claim 4 , wherein the receiving members are formed with the rail. 
     
     
         7 . The hitch mounting system of  claim 4 , wherein the receiving members are attached with the rail. 
     
     
         8 . The hitch mounting system of  claim 4 , wherein the receiving members are configured to engage a safety chain tie down member. 
     
     
         9 . A hitch mounting system comprising:
 a pair of tubular members each having a cross-sectional shape a substantial portion of which is defined by an enclosed peripheral wall with a generally hollow section;   a mid rail attached to an underside of at least one of the pair of tubular members spacing the pair of tubular members apart, the mid rail comprising a hitch ball socket;   a pair of receiving members attached with each of the pair of tubular members, the receiving members configured to engage a leg of a fifth wheel hitch; and   an attachment bracket attached with the pair of tubular members, the attachment bracket capable of attaching the pair of tubular members to the frame of the vehicle.   
     
     
         10 . The hitch mounting system of  claim 9  further comprising a plurality of fasteners attaching the mid rail between the pair of tubular members.