This is the first post here. I will pick up the new 3500 dodge Diesel tomorrow and need to know if there is a special kit I have to get to install the 5th wheel hitch. The hitch was a bolted on the 2001 3500 dodge I had. Someone had told me that the new 2004 models could not be bolted to the frame anymore. If some one out there has a 2004 and had a 5th wheel hitch installed please let me know if there were any special kits to buy. Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to the forum.

You can drill and bolt the hitch mounting brackets to the frame, provided you use Dodge's guidelines. Initially there was some controversy when DC was stating to new truck owners not to drill or weld the frame. They then issued a bulletin providing these guidelines. I know of no frame failures to date from drilling. Rest assured however, if the frame were to crack or fail at the site of a drilled hole, your warrantee and your truck are toast. The hydroformed frames just have not been around on the trucks (at least in the area of the hitch) long enough to know for sure if there are going to be problems.

Personally, I don't like drilling holes in the hydroformed frame and so I went with the Pullrite hitch. Non of the Pullrites for the new gen trucks require drilling or welding of the frame. I also liked the way they were made, the positive latching mechanism with a bearing surface that conforms to the pin and the good customer service that I was given by Pullrite. There are some other hitches out there that are "no drill" as well.

If you have an existing hitch, contact the manufacturer for brackets for your truck. Drilling or welding the frame and any risks associated with it are personal choices. FWIW

Casey

 

Ok, Thanks....... I was looking at the Pullrite Hitches on line. They look sharp.