2003 5th wheel installation question
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From: Petaluma Ca
2003 5th wheel installation question
How many of you have installed your own 5th wheel hitches in your 2003 trucks and what problems have you encountered with the new boxed frame. What hitch are you using. Thanks, Wade
Proprietor of Fiver's Inn and Hospitality Center
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From: Sarasota, Florida
Re:2003 5th wheel installation question
Hi Wade, welcome to the forum. You will learn lots here.
The installation of the fiver hitch has been bantered around here a whole bunch, especially when the trucks first came out. Several have installed their own. The important thing is to get the install kit designed for the 2003.
Why don't you run a search (the magnifying glass up above) on the subject. There are a bunch of posts discussing this - - you should learn everything you want to know from that. If not, come back and ask some more questions. It will include installation of several different brands of hitches.
Again, welcome.
Bob
The installation of the fiver hitch has been bantered around here a whole bunch, especially when the trucks first came out. Several have installed their own. The important thing is to get the install kit designed for the 2003.
Why don't you run a search (the magnifying glass up above) on the subject. There are a bunch of posts discussing this - - you should learn everything you want to know from that. If not, come back and ask some more questions. It will include installation of several different brands of hitches.
Again, welcome.
Bob
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Windsor, Ontario
Re:2003 5th wheel installation question
I installed a Pullrite with the Superbrackets. The brackets are custom made for the Dodge frame and do not require drilling into the frame. Pullrites are bit more money but I figured if I could afford the Cummins, I could afford the Pullrite. My trailer dealer calls them the Mercedes of hitches and I have to agree.
Casey
Casey
Thats MR Hoss to you buddy!
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Central Texas
Re:2003 5th wheel installation question
I know I've said this about fifteen times now....but I'd go with the B&W Turnover Ball and Companion RV Hitch. The best of both worlds (gooseneck and 5th wheel and unobstructed bed all in one). 
www.turnoverball.com
www.turnoverball.com
Proprietor of Fiver's Inn and Hospitality Center
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Sarasota, Florida
Re:2003 5th wheel installation question
[quote author=Hoss link=board=11;threadid=17756;start=0#msg166301 date=1059659983]
I know I've said this about fifteen times now....but I'd go with the B&W Turnover Ball and Companion RV Hitch. The best of both worlds (gooseneck and 5th wheel and unobstructed bed all in one).
www.turnoverball.com
[/quote]
How much does Luke pay you every time you say that, Hoss? Let's see - - 15 times $? = hmmmm, that's how you pay for Little Hoss. ;D ;D
On the serious side, I agree with you if you need both hitches. If you don't, I prefer the solid install of the fifth. My friend has the B&W. It has more slop than my Hidden Hitch or my last Reese. It is held down in one spot rather than four - - I can move his around a bit by hand. Mine is much more quiet towing than his. I can watch his hitch move when riding in his truck and towing. If I needed a ball hitch, I agree with you fully. It would be nice to have a smooth bed, but a couple rails don't really hurt much.
I know I've said this about fifteen times now....but I'd go with the B&W Turnover Ball and Companion RV Hitch. The best of both worlds (gooseneck and 5th wheel and unobstructed bed all in one).
www.turnoverball.com
[/quote]
How much does Luke pay you every time you say that, Hoss? Let's see - - 15 times $? = hmmmm, that's how you pay for Little Hoss. ;D ;D
On the serious side, I agree with you if you need both hitches. If you don't, I prefer the solid install of the fifth. My friend has the B&W. It has more slop than my Hidden Hitch or my last Reese. It is held down in one spot rather than four - - I can move his around a bit by hand. Mine is much more quiet towing than his. I can watch his hitch move when riding in his truck and towing. If I needed a ball hitch, I agree with you fully. It would be nice to have a smooth bed, but a couple rails don't really hurt much.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Cross, SC
Re:2003 5th wheel installation question
I went with the B&W turnover ball. I had someone install it for me (ain't as young as I usedta was) :
. The B&W with the companion was just over $900.00 and they installed it for $200 and change (this included a 7 pin in the bed).
Looking at the instructions, it seems like it would be fairly easy to install. Just have to measure for the hole REAL carefully.
Have towed with it twice now and it works like a dream. I'll be hooking up again tomorrow for a week in OH. ;D ;D
. The B&W with the companion was just over $900.00 and they installed it for $200 and change (this included a 7 pin in the bed).Looking at the instructions, it seems like it would be fairly easy to install. Just have to measure for the hole REAL carefully.
Have towed with it twice now and it works like a dream. I'll be hooking up again tomorrow for a week in OH. ;D ;D
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Thats MR Hoss to you buddy!
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Central Texas
Re:2003 5th wheel installation question
[quote author=FiverBob link=board=11;threadid=17756;start=0#msg166312 date=1059661316]
How much does Luke pay you every time you say that, Hoss? Let's see - - 15 times $? = hmmmm, that's how you pay for Little Hoss. ;D ;D[/quote]
Hehehe....I'll never tell.
I agree with you 100%. I've never seen the "Companion" installed on a truck before...but I have seen the Turnover Ball and it's a pretty slick setup. If you'll NEVER need a gooseneck hitch.....then I'm with you all the way. Go with the fixed, permanent mount and rails. In my case, I don't have anything to tow...and I don't know what I might be towing in the future....so, IF I were buying (which I'm not because wifey says NO because I don't pull anything but a boat), that's what I'd get. Versatility. ;D
An easy way to fix that slop would be to drive some wedges up under the four corners once it's installed....
How much does Luke pay you every time you say that, Hoss? Let's see - - 15 times $? = hmmmm, that's how you pay for Little Hoss. ;D ;D[/quote]
Hehehe....I'll never tell.
On the serious side, I agree with you if you need both hitches. If you don't, I prefer the solid install of the fifth. My friend has the B&W. It has more slop than my Hidden Hitch or my last Reese. It is held down in one spot rather than four - - I can move his around a bit by hand. Mine is much more quiet towing than his. I can watch his hitch move when riding in his truck and towing. If I needed a ball hitch, I agree with you fully. It would be nice to have a smooth bed, but a couple rails don't really hurt much.
An easy way to fix that slop would be to drive some wedges up under the four corners once it's installed....
Proprietor of Fiver's Inn and Hospitality Center
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,506
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From: Sarasota, Florida
Re:2003 5th wheel installation question
[quote author=Cummins Luke link=board=11;threadid=17756;start=0#msg166493 date=1059679400]
To think I have been ignoring this thread for awhile. Hoss don't spill the beans on how much i pay you to talk up B&W. : ;D ;D ;D
[/quote]
See - - See - - I knew it. Just mention B&W and Luke sticks his head up out of the sand box.
;D
To think I have been ignoring this thread for awhile. Hoss don't spill the beans on how much i pay you to talk up B&W. :
;D ;D ;D[/quote]
See - - See - - I knew it. Just mention B&W and Luke sticks his head up out of the sand box.
;D
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