Hi,

I have a 5th wheel hitch that I would like to install in my 2002 dually. Before I start work, is there anything that I need to be aware of when I do this. I have heard rumours that the frame is not heavy enough, which I find to be at odds with the purpose of these trucks.

Anyway, any tips or word of wisdom on the installation would be greatly appreciated.

Thx

mariner

 

I think the weak frame rumor got started in the last millenium (99) haha. I don't think you will find many if any bent or broken frames here that weren't grossly overloaded or abused. These trucks are real trucks and don't break up ( rust out yes) and that's why people that know run DCTD. haha

I have a goose neck in my bed and tow heavy with no problems.

 

One tip ( and I'll probably need my stainless steel underwear for this one) make sure that you are centered over the rearend , front to rear , or just a little forward of the rear axel . I usually put my hitches about 4-6 inches ahead of the axel or about even with imput yolk of the rearend. Everbody dose it there own way and has there own opinion. I pull heavy loads
( 20,000 + ) and it works well for me..........

 

My 5th is 2" forward of the axle bin that way since 95. My hitch wt. is about 1700 lb trailer wt. 9k. Another thing fasten it to the fram not just the bed.

 

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your comments. Wasn't sure about the rumour - I didn't think it had any merit, but you never know for sure.

I am taking the hitch out of my old F250 with turbo'd 6.9. The hitch is like new and hardly been used,(16,000lb unit) and I have all the parts needed including the " L" brackets that bolt directly to the frame. The old Ford is getting sold this summer and will help finance new winter tires for the Dodge :-)

Thx again for your comments - exactly what I was hoping for.

mariner

 

If it were me I would sell the hitch from the Ford and get a new hitch that is designed for your Dodge. Most of the new hitches are no drill/no weld and require no frame modifications.

 

Most existing hitches offer a kit to go on the newer dodge nodrill/no weld frame. I don't know what year they came out sometime after 02 or 03 but I would think a $100 kit verses a $1000 new hitch would be my option if I had that frame. If I didn't I would drill the 4 holes and be done. My hitch is a 20K and it would be about $1200.

 

Having done hitchs for a living
yes position the hitch approx. 4" forward of the rear axle centerline
If you are reusing the mounting parts from the old truck plan on buying all new Grade8 hardware
I'm assuming you are using a standard Reese 16K head and rails
I dont have my books handy but i am pretty sure they do have the no-drill mount plates for your year
the only drawback to the no-drill plates is that you cant place the hitch where you want it

 

I just installed a fifth wheel hitch in my 2000 and it was not that hard at all. Just be careful moving the brakelines on the drives side. Due to rusty lines from years of cow dung and mud it let go other than that everything went in great. I bought a new universal rail kit and a used reese fifthwheel hitch.

Robert

 

OFF TOPIC (SORRY) but what is DCTD?