Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Custom No-Drill Installation Brackets

[CCain]

I am trying to find a no drill application to mount my fifth wheel hitch into my 2008 mega cab 4x4. I have found some companies that say you can use a hidden hitch #50040 with the mega cab and other that say you can't #@$%!. Does anybody have a clue?

 

[Scottyg1]

I am trying to find a no drill application to mount my fifth wheel hitch into my 2008 mega cab 4x4. I have found some companies that say you can use a hidden hitch #50040 with the mega cab and other that say you can't #@$%!. Does anybody have a clue?

On my 07 I used a Reese clamp on type, purchased from Camping World. A little pricy, but really easy to install. no drilling in frame, and I did it myself in a couple of hours.

 

[EricBu12]

Look here for the Super 5th Pull-Rite Hitch. . they have a 16K No drill

http://www.pullrite.com/super5_16.htm

Here is the PDF of the install chart for it. . you will want to get the Super rails (blue chart line). . as you can remove it totally and have a clean bed.

http://www.pullrite.com/pdfs/2008 Super 5th Application Chart x2.pdf

 

[Grizzly]

I installed the Super Rail PullRite 5th wheel hitch on my 05 DRW about 14 months ago. It's a little spendy and difficult to install because you have to fish bolts through the back of the box frame to existing holes. I feel it was well worth the price and the hard work. The beauty to this system is that you can remove the two rails and four pins and have a clean bed. If you have an RV dealer do the work, they will probably cheat and drill holes through the frame to install the brackets. At least that's what two RV shops told me. If you decide on the PullRite and you decide to install it yourself, PM me and I can help with a few installation tips.

 

[RPelletier]

Look here for the Super 5th Pull-Rite Hitch. . they have a 16K No drill



PullRite has a SAFER, STRONGER, BETTER designed hitch for you



Here is the PDF of the install chart for it. . you will want to get the Super rails (blue chart line). . as you can remove it totally and have a clean bed.



http://www.pullrite.com/pdfs/2008 Super 5th Application Chart x2.pdf

I've got the Super 5th and Super Rails in my '07. I love it. It was a toss-up between the Pullrite and the B&W. Both were considerably more expensive than some other options,but worth it IMO.



I went with the Pullrite as it was available locally,and the B&W wasn't.

 

[CCain]

Scott, is this on a Mega Cab? and if so did you have any problems. I have called a pile of people in the industry and have been told so many things that I don't know which way is up and they tell me it won't work, but won't or can't tell me why.

 

[Bob V]

The Reese clamp on brackets will not work if you have factory overload springs ( I have a set for sale if anyone is interested)

 

[LRutigliano]

I installed the Super Rail PullRite 5th wheel hitch on my 05 DRW about 14 months ago. It's a little spendy and difficult to install because you have to fish bolts through the back of the box frame to existing holes. I feel it was well worth the price and the hard work. The beauty to this system is that you can remove the two rails and four pins and have a clean bed. If you have an RV dealer do the work, they will probably cheat and drill holes through the frame to install the brackets. At least that's what two RV shops told me. If you decide on the PullRite and you decide to install it yourself, PM me and I can help with a few installation tips.

I also have this set-up and did the install myself. It was very straightforward with no holes to drill in the frame, but I remember drilling the 1. 75" diameter holes in my bed and was all pinched up similar to drilling into my exhaust manifold for the EGT sensor. After the first hole, it was easy...



The only complaint I have is that the actual 5th wheel is very heavy and my bed is too tall for me to remove or install the hitch by myself. I have to get a neighbor to help. Although this is probably true of any 5th wheel hitch.



I have a picture or two in my photo gallery.

 

[Grizzly]

I also have this set-up and did the install myself. It was very straightforward with no holes to drill in the frame, but I remember drilling the 1. 75" diameter holes in my bed and was all pinched up similar to drilling into my exhaust manifold for the EGT sensor. After the first hole, it was easy...



The only complaint I have is that the actual 5th wheel is very heavy and my bed is too tall for me to remove or install the hitch by myself. I have to get a neighbor to help. Although this is probably true of any 5th wheel hitch.



I have a picture or two in my photo gallery.

I too had difficulties with alignment of the 4, 1 3/4" holes through the bed. I ended up with two slightly egg shaped holes. TDR Member klenger gave me some good installation tips for laying out the 4 holes. Ken's idea is to first place masking tape over the top of the 1 3/4" hole on each of the 4 brackets before installing them. When all 4 brackets are installed, drill a 1/16" pilot hole from the top side of the bed through the masking tape. Remove the brackets and check how far offset the 1/16" holes are to the 1 3/4" hole in the bracket. Adjust the pilot holes to fit dead center over the 1 3/4" holes in the brackets. Finally drill the 1 3/4" holes. With the rails and the 4 pins removed and my heavy rubber mat in place, the clean bed looks great.



As far as removing the heavy receiver hitch, I take the top plate assembly off first then the the bottom part. It's still very heavy, but I can manage it by myself.

 

[LRutigliano]

I too had difficulties with alignment of the 4, 1 3/4" holes through the bed. I ended up with two slightly egg shaped holes. TDR Member klenger gave me some good installation tips for laying out the 4 holes. Ken's idea is to first place masking tape over the top of the 1 3/4" hole on each of the 4 brackets before installing them. When all 4 brackets are installed, drill a 1/16" pilot hole from the top side of the bed through the masking tape. Remove the brackets and check how far offset the 1/16" holes are to the 1 3/4" hole in the bracket. Adjust the pilot holes to fit dead center over the 1 3/4" holes in the brackets. Finally drill the 1 3/4" holes. With the rails and the 4 pins removed and my heavy rubber mat in place, the clean bed looks great.



As far as removing the heavy receiver hitch, I take the top plate assembly off first then the the bottom part. It's still very heavy, but I can manage it by myself.

I too had this issue; Ken's idea is a very good one. I probably drilled 4ea 1/16" holes for each of the four 1. 75" holes to get it perfectly centered with the bracket below. I used a paper clip that I unbent and shaped into an "L" with a short side and a long side. I would drop the paper clip into the 1/16" hole and then go under the bed to see how far off I was.



Do not just follow the directions and use the tape measure method. Its only accurate to +/- 0. 5"...

 

[Grizzly]

I too had this issue; Ken's idea is a very good one. I probably drilled 4ea 1/16" holes for each of the four 1. 75" holes to get it perfectly centered with the bracket below. I used a paper clip that I unbent and shaped into an "L" with a short side and a long side. I would drop the paper clip into the 1/16" hole and then go under the bed to see how far off I was.



Do not just follow the directions and use the tape measure method. Its only accurate to +/- 0. 5"...

It's a tough job. Did you have any problem with fishing the passenger side, set of two bolts, through the box frame under the rod (through the frame) for the exhaust pipe? I did. After installing the front brackets, the rear brackets were a piece of cake.

 

[NStates]

Take a close look at Super 5th Pull-Rite Hitch. I have used their hitches for 12 years and heavy towing. They have the best most rugged hitch available. Now have their 20,000 and pull a 17,000 fifth wheel. Great hitch.
Norm

2008 Dodge RAM 3500 Laramie Quad Cab 4X2

6. 7 Liter Cummins (R) Turbo Diesel Engine, 6 -Speed Automatic 68RFE Transmission, 3. 73 Anti-Spin Differential, Brilliant White, ISSPRO Gauges, Transfer Flow Fuel Tank, PullRite #20,500 Super 5th Hitch, Line-X, XTRA Bed liner , Hayes Genesis brake controller, PML Deep Transmission Pan, Custom Graphics, Pull a Mobile Suites Fifth Wheel.

 

[MoparDave]

I have a Quad Cab and used the 0828 Kit. Completed in about an 1 1/2hr simply install http://www.pullrite.com/pdfs/0828.pdf

 

[LRutigliano]

It's a tough job. Did you have any problem with fishing the passenger side, set of two bolts, through the box frame under the rod (through the frame) for the exhaust pipe? I did. After installing the front brackets, the rear brackets were a piece of cake.

I do remember the front brackets required alot of patience and also I remember finally getting the welded stud assy into the proper position and then trying to install the washer, lockwasher and nut on one of the studs and hope I didn't accidently push it back into the boxed frame.



I also have Torklift camper brackets on my truck (I had a truck camper before the 5er) and I'm not sure if the Torklifts were the pain or not, but I had to loosen my fuel tank straps on the DS and move the fuel tank just far enough inboard to get the stud/bracket assy into the frame.



I don't remember the PS being difficult, but it was quite awhile ago...



I do know that I was very happy that I got it done instead of letting the 5er dealer do it...

 

[RVTRKN]

I would be willing to bet the frame is the same as a Quad Cab with the LWB. Go to your Dodge dealer and check at the frame over the axle's of both trucks and if you have a digital camera take a picture of them both. The brackets that Member Bob V has, should fit both trucks. They are the same as I have on my 04. 5 and they are very strong and rigid and will add strength to the frame as well. However there is the short bed issue with yours and I don't know if they will fit with the sliding hitch set up.

 

[JGates]

Since you have a mega cab I assume your getting a sliding hitch, I recommend the superglide. The no drill super-rail kit for the superglide does not require fishing bolts through the frame. and is very easy to install. I was getting worried reading this, I thought I left some bolts out when installing my hitch, , I had to go to pullrites website and verify that the super 5th, and suerglide have 2 different mounting set ups!

 

[TMRoper1669]

Since you have a mega cab I assume your getting a sliding hitch, I recommend the superglide. The no drill super-rail kit for the superglide does not require fishing bolts through the frame. and is very easy to install. I was getting worried reading this, I thought I left some bolts out when installing my hitch, , I had to go to pullrites website and verify that the super 5th, and suerglide have 2 different mounting set ups!

You don't need to get a slider if you own a mega cab, i have a 08 mega cab 3500 and have a 35' Canyon Trail I have a B&W Companion hitch and I have Plenty of clearence on the turns I Can Almost get 90 Degrees. I think the B&W companion is the only way to go.

 

[RGrizzle]

i have an 07. 5 mega and i found my clamp on hitch kit at etrailer.com . it has brackets that clamp around the frame and fits the mega cab . it comes with the brackets , all the hardware , and the base rails . the only holes to drill is through the bed for the bolts that hold the rails in . i got mine about a year ago and it was around $200 . i use a manual slider with mine but i hardly ever slide it . you can also get a gooseneck plate that fits the same rails .