I have a b&w turnover ball off my 2007 chevy 2500 and now I have just purchased a 2007.5 megacab 3500 srw. The frame widths are the same and the bed to frame is almost exactly the same. There are absolutely no holes in the frame on the dodge. I can get the hitch in the same position and everything so thats no problem. Can I drill the two holes in the frame where the bolts on the hitch are at currently? There is a u-bolt for what would be the front that wraps around the frame. I will have to drill a new hole in the plate on the side and get a new u bolt but thats no big deal. Just corious if I can drill two holes through the frame of the truck and be ok. Thanks for any help.

 

I I were going to drill mounting holes through the frame, I would drill them to accomodate a piece of pipe going through the frame cut to the thickness of the frame, use it as a stiffner so the frame would not 'pull' or 'squeeze'. As long as the inside diameter of the pipe was the same as the bolt, and a large washer was on both sides, you'd have a good solid mounting and not risk any frame collapse at the mounting point.

You might want to download the b&w instructions for the Dodge to see what mounting differences there are from the Chevy mounting. That might help you to get measurements for the Dodge mounting. It also might help you to see how your install could be better.



CD

 

I would weld the ends of the pipe to the frame and make flush with the frame. Like you say do not squeeze the frame through a hole. Ubolts along the outside surface are ok because the outside wall of the frame can support the load, similar to how beds are attached to commercial truck frames.

 

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the DTR!!

When i installed by Reese gooseneck hitch, I had to drill holes in the the frame, then using what looked to wire welder line, fish the carraige bolt thru an existing hole on bottom side of frame rail. The bolt was long enough that i could get the nut started while holding on to it. Hope this helps...