5th wheel hitch install, drill or clamp tubular frame?
03-20-2009, 01:35 PM
#1
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5th wheel hitch install, drill or clamp tubular frame?
I'm getting ready to order a 5th wheel hitch for my truck(2003 dually). I was told by the hitch retailer that the frame is thin on my '03 as they went to a tubular design and that I can't drill and botl to it. I need an extra kit for $200 thats no-drill and clamps around the frame.
1) I'm not keen on paying an extra $200
2) I'm not keen on it being "clamped" to the frame.
What did you guys do to mount bed hitches on your trucks?
1) I'm not keen on paying an extra $200
2) I'm not keen on it being "clamped" to the frame.
What did you guys do to mount bed hitches on your trucks?
03-20-2009, 08:53 PM
#4
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I bolted my Reese in several months ago. You'll need a few good drill bits and a lot of WD-40 cool keel the bits cool. PITA to feed the bolts through the frame. I used bailing wire. PM if you have any specific questions. I'll help in any way I can.
Last edited by stock03; 03-20-2009 at 08:56 PM. Reason: more info
03-20-2009, 08:59 PM
#5
I am using the same 20K Reese that was in my '96 and '01. in the '96 it was welded, I bolted it in the '01, but when I got the '08 I finally was able to find Husky clamp on brackets after a lot of searching that all I had to do was buy the matching Husky rails for. Some do bolt their brackets in the 3rd gen trucks, they simply get spacers in the middle of the frame so that the bolts don't crush it. I just didn't want to go to that trouble.
03-20-2009, 10:18 PM
#7
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As long as you drill or weld in the correct way,you can do either to a 3rd gen frame.
Dodge published a TSB about it a couple years back.
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03-21-2009, 05:34 AM
#9
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Yeah, I run a B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch that drops into the turnover ball socket.
They clamp to the frame, but also have a pin on the sideplate that locates to a pre-existing hole in the frame.
They clamp to the frame, but also have a pin on the sideplate that locates to a pre-existing hole in the frame.
03-21-2009, 07:06 AM
#10
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Another vote for the B&W hitch, then you have the option for a gooseneck if you ever need it. The companion 5th wheel hitch is awesome and leaves no rails in your bed to get in your way.
03-21-2009, 10:14 AM
#11
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The brackets were welded on in July '03, hauled the 5th Coast to Coast to Coast, ~10k miles, with no issues. In '05, hauled it up to AK and back, as far north as Coldfoot. Lots of frost heaves and gravel roads on that May trip, if the welds were going to bust, that was the trip that should have done it. Welds still look good.
Back to morning brew. . .
03-21-2009, 10:33 AM
#12
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Hey thanks for that link. I'm really not concerned with the installation aspect of it. Just the long term reliability or what would happen in an accident. I didn't want the thing to rip loose and come thru the back of the back cab. The local distributor made it sound like the frame wasn't thick enough to support bolting thru it.....
03-21-2009, 11:34 AM
#13
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If I remember correctly the problem with drilling the frame is when you drill all the way through and then torque too tight, this can distort the frame rails. If you decide to drill all the through then use a sleeve and washers to run the bolts through.