What is everyone doing for a 5th wheel hitch. Can we safely drill into frame for mounting or what is the status on the hydroformed frame?

 

TTT

 

The one I have been looking at use u bolts and take no cutting of the frame. I don't like cutting into the frame and I don't think Dodge does either. What does TTT stand for I have seen it before but could not figure it out.

 

T-o, T-he, T-op.

 

Just buy one that dosent require drilling. Then you wont have to worry about it. Pullrite is one manufacturer.

 

Good one, If I had a money tree in the back yard that wouldn't be a problem.

 

Ron
my '03 5er hitch was welded 45000 mi ago with no probs. My hitch was installed by a large stockman/utility bed dealer. They think welding on the new frames is better than the old frames. The new frames are a box and your only weldimg on one side. The old frames are a 'C' channel and a burn through would compromise frame strength. They weld per Dodge Body Builders Guide specs........JIM

 

I have the advanced air hitch with Reese rails. Drilled and bolted on. Took about 3 hours on the rails and about 2 hrs with the hitch...I assembled it on the ground and then had to lift it up into the bed.

I also have a used Reese 15K here collecting dust...where are you located?

Scotty

EDIT: I just saw you are in ND...I am in Saskatchewan...not very far.

 

I installed my 15k Reese in my '03 and now my '05. Drilled into both of them. Not a problem.

 

It is OK to drill the frame as long as you follow what DC says and properly supprt the frame by installing inserts between the drilled area prior to tightening up the bolts so that yo don't squeeze the frame together. Most now have NO Drill/NO Weld setups for all brands

 

Thanks guys for all your help.

After surfing the web I found a place in Texas that sells an adaptor that mounts to the prexisting holes already in the frame. It works for the RWB little rocker 5th wheel hitch I took out of my other truck.

The reason I was so paranoid at first is that none of the camper or dealers around here knew anything about installing except to just drill like the old hitches were installed or sell me a $1,200.00 turn over ball hitch. I guess they lost out as I can get the adaptor for $77.00 shipped to me and I can install the hitch myself. The only drilling I'll have to do is through the bed to bolt to the adaptor.

 

Bluebull,

Would you be kind enough to list the Internet Web Site of the Texas company that sells this hitch adaptor? I'd be very interested in checking this out. It's possible there are other folks who might be interested as well. I've heard good things about the Lil Rocker hitch and am considering getting that rather than a conventional Reese hitch. How did that work out for you anyway?

 

EDIT:::

I deleted the information in this post. After receiving the parts they do not fit. Called another hitch installer and they said they changed the 05 frames from the previous 03 and 04 frames. I need to research a little more to see for sure.

 

Bluebull,

Sure will. Thanks very much for the URL.

Carey

 

I hope you had some help lifting it. Wouldn't want you to overdo it!