bluebull

I have been asking this question for the last few days. Man I can not beleave everyone bought a heavy duty diesel just to go get groceries.

Can the hydroformed frames (2003-2005 dodge trucks) be drilled for installing a 5th wheel hitch? Have you had yours drilled? I know when they first came out it was a no no but thought by now there would answers.

If you can not drill into hydroformed frames what are the alterntives? I know about www.rolloverball.com but man to spend $1,200.00 on a hitch when I already have a hitch sufficient enough that I took out of the truck I sold.

Bought new truck April 1 need to tow real soon and no truck to tow with until I get a hitch put in.

kohldadsr

bluebull

Don't know what kind of hitch you have but if you go to the mfg they will have the new adapters, brackets etc for instllation of most hitches in the new frames. Most require holes to be drilled in the frame. No through holes, only on one surface with special bolts that are fished in.

The B&W and also I think Pullrite have clamp on types. My Signature cost $800 on line (Hitchfinder) and required 2 holes on the outside of the frame on each side of the truck. I like the 4 point mounting vice the single post of the B&W. What I don't like is the size of the head. Its almmost the size of a semi head.

Brakets for my older Reese would have required 2 holes at each anchor point and there were 4 anchor brakets. I didn't want to drill that many holles.

Hope this helps.

Phil

JohnnyH

Pullrite has a super rail installation kit that requires no drilling in the frame. You bolt the 4 brakets to the frame using existing holes. You have to drill 4 holes in the bed of the truck, thats it. When you remove the hitch, you have a completly clean bed, except the holes. I highly reccomend checking it out.

http://www.pullrite.com/

John

bluebull

Thanks guys for the options.

J&L

Ron
drill/weld per Dodge Body Builders Guide specs. You can drill through these frames per their specs. You need to see that spec on drilling/welding. If you drill through the frame ,sides only, the bolt will require a sleeve to keep from crushing the tube. Do not drill/weld on top/bottom of the frame........JIM