When I went to have the hitch put in the fellow said I May want to get my box aligned ( It was about 3/4" to the right). I took it back to the dealer and they loosened off the box mounting bolts and pushed it to the left, It is fine now and it only took about 45 minutes in total. I took it to the hitch installer and got the hitch and a flow through tailgate and wheel to wheel step bars installed. They tell me that in is not uncommon to see a misaligned box on any brand truck. But it is something to watch for.

 

It happens but not common that they get delivered that way. When dealer is doing PDI it would be obvious from under the truck. Guess the tech doing PDI did it before his 3rd cup of Java. <br><br>Toyota imports arrive at the Port of Entry without their beds. The beds are made and painted in Southern Calif. The beds are shipped to the Port of Entry to be matched up with the right truck and mounted. You can imagine the problems in that kind of operation, to save on import duty and freight charges.

 

[quote author=Jim O link=board=17;threadid=7604;start=0#72899 date=1038369158]<br> I took it to the hitch installer and got the hitch and a flow through tailgate and wheel to wheel step bars installed.<br>[/quote]<br><br>I know you are glad to get your truck. Since I am also interested in the Short Bed could you please tell us the type slider hitch you got and what will you be towing with it. Do you have eny concerns with the cab to rear axle clearance?<br>Thanks

 

Yes Ken the trailer I am towing is a Citation Supreme (Canadian made) and it has a 13&quot; pin box. The slider I got is a HiJacker (also Canadian made). And I was concerned about interferance I bought the trailer before the truck came and a friend towed it home for me. The hitch is adjustable for hight as well as being a double tilt model it is a 16000 lbs rating and my trailer is 10000 lbs with 1300 on the hitch.(according to specs. On the tow test I plan to weigh it.

 

Jim O
Thanks for that data. My extended pin is 16 1/2 inches. I wonder if you could tell me the following:

1. The location of your pin on your RV from behind the most forward projection of the front center of the camper? Mine is 3 1/2 inches recessed. Is yours recessed or does it extend out from the front of the RV? Remember the pin not the end of the hitch frame. I hope I have explained it properly.

2. The width of your RV?

3. How many inches your slider slides (extends)?

Will appreciate whatever you could provide and a followup report when you tow. My email address is available.
Thanks.
[/quote]

 

Jim O<br><br>Well, won't go into details why your USA made in St. Louis Dodge is screwed up<br><br>I feel for you not having a Spanish speaking vehicle<br><br>Hunter

 

Hi Hunter; My US. made vehicle is not screwed up they just loosened of the box bolts and pushed it straight and now it is OK. If you wait until the 5th wheel hitch is mounted you don't get to put it right. I have 1700kms. (a little over 1000 miles)and I am impressed with the fuel mileage and the power. The six speed shifts well and the truck steers like a dream, I hope to set up my hitch and do a tow test next week if it doesn't snow.

 

I'm with Hunter, if the CONSUMER has to align the bed it is a screw up whether the CONSUMER regards it as an inconvenience or not.

The first digit in my VIN is a 3 and I say que bueno!