Probably going to get an 04, I was told that drilling holes in the frame would void the warranty. I have a reese hitch and looked on their site but saw nothing special except for the overload bracket. I mounted the hitch myself in the 01 what should I do with an 04?

 

If you read Reese instructions it states dont drill thru both sides of frame. Only drill one side and then fish the bolts out. I was gonna do my but the LineX guy also does hitch installs and for $125 I couldnt resist! And he did a excellent job!!

 

I have an 04 on order and will be putting in Reese 16K
according to:
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/13-001-03.htm
you can drill if you do it correctly. At least that's how I read it.

If anyone knows otherwise, shout out. I haven't ordered the hitch yet.

 

Frame can be drilled if done correctly as previously stated. Just need the special bracket kit from Reese.

 

You only need the special bracket kit (Reese part#58186) if you have a 3500, SRW or DRW. The helper springs are the reason for the extra brackets. The 03/04 2500 dont have helper springs. Bout $60 for the special brackets, dang the rail kit (Reese part# 30035) was only $85, this stuff adds up! At least I didnt have to get another fiver hitch!

 

Fishing the bolts up to the holes is not a lot of fun. If you can get them installed for around $100.00 i think it is a good deal.

 

[quote author=trailblazenyj link=board=11;threadid=23386;start=0#msg219856 date=1070848063]
Fishing the bolts up to the holes is not a lot of fun. If you can get them installed for around $100.00 i think it is a good deal.
[/quote]

I helped a friend do his a couple of months ago, I thought it was very easy.

 

All of Pullrite's fifth hitches for 03/04 Rams do NOT require drilling of the frame. They use existing holes in the frame. Very solid setup. Shop around as prices vary greatly from one dealer to the next. While the TSB says you can drill the frame, Dodge was so "iffy" about it a year ago that I wasn't taking a chance with my new truck.

However, since you already have a hitch, it makes the decision a bit more difficult. I ended up selling my old hitch and putting the money toward the Pullrite.

Casey

 

I didn't see any existing holes even remotely close, and don't know how the bolts could be fished through, or are they J-bolts. If I do the deal tomorrow I think it might be easier to have u-bolts made. I have the truck home tonight and it's a big improvement over my 01.

 

The front mount uses an existing hole in the side of frame rail plus the mount clamps solidly to the frame. The bolt for the front mount is fished through from the rear of the frame. The rear mount uses a large bolt that goes through holes that are in the bottom and top surfaces of the frame. It is a very solid setup. It will not move and not one hole is drilled in the frame. If you pm your email address I can send you some pictures.

Casey