Hitch Install

[HookMeUp]

I stopped at a local shop that installs hitches. I asked them how they install their hitches, they said they welded them to the frame. I thought this was a big no-no and I questioned them about this and the reply was "we do it all the time". Is it ok to weld on the frame?

 

[Powder Extreme]

No. Hasn't been for quite some time. Most new hitches don't even require drilling holes. I would go somewhere else.
Cheers

 

[GCroyle]

Let's say welding was OK, if something happens to the hitch, say the receiver tube gets sloppy or you have an incident and the hitch gets damaged how do you replace the welded in hitch without making it a major grind fest on your frame?



I'm with PowderExtreme, but it is only my opinion.

 

[RVTRKN]

I ran into this dilemma with my 5ver hitch on my 04. 5. The frame, per Dodge, is not to be welded or drilled on. So when I asked my Dealer they recommended me to a welder that would certify the welds. And the company that sold me the hitch said they would drill, to attach it.



So which is it?



I researched for a couple of months and came up with a bracket sold by Reese that is clamped to the frame. I don't know about the receiver hitch but I would research it before you do either, as I did, and find a better solution. If out of warranty, I don't think its as critical, but a certified welder willing to stand behind his work would be OK for me if out of warranty. The hydro formed frame is the reason for it being sensitive to either.

 

[GCroyle]

RVTRKN,



We don't know if HookMeUp is a receiver hitch question or as you are more likely correct in assuming a 5'er guy.



I just helped my good buddy install a Reese 5'er on his 2011 Ford, brackets to the frame going up to the bed and then drill the bed only to attach the rails. BTW the spacing of the bed ribs didn't match his '04 Ford that donated the Reese, didn't exactly allow spacers as Reese stated to compress the rails to the brackets but the brackets were new from Reese designed for the '11.



In my short time towing so far, seems like NUTHIN starts a fired up debate in the towing world as WD and SC receiver hitch systems.

 

[Jim W]

According to Chrysler, yes you can weld/drill on the frame.



I have attached the Dodge Builders. com web site and the 2009 RAM Cautionary Notes as an example, from this site. Page 2 of 3 states how and where you can drill and weld on the frame and what is required to do it safely.

http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2009/docs/dr/rcn.pdf



The entire site for other information is this link. Just click on the model year and drill down to what you want.



http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/year.pdf



Jim

 

[RVTRKN]

Jim W, that was not available in 04 when I purchasecd my 04. 5, in fact the utilities bodies manufactures discouraged installing them onto the hydro formed frame and is the reason I got stuck with an 05 D/A work truck. My boss after the purchase, then told me he thought about the 5. 9 CTD, but was recommended against it.

 

[RVTRKN]

Jim W, after revisiting the link, is that for the C&C? It would make a difference.

 

[HBarlow]

That information has been widely known since the Gen III trucks were introduced in summer of 2002.

I think it is important to remember that Ram stated in that very guide that drilling and welding to the frame are not recommended and will be the full responsibility of the owner or whoever does the work. Then, after that statement, the guide gave detailed suggestions for how it could be done.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

Welding on one of the newer frames is not a good idea. There are enough hitch manufacturers out there that make a good bolt on or clamp on to choose from. Do it right, do it once, be safe.

 

[Prairie Dog]

That information has been widely known since the Gen III trucks were introduced in summer of 2002.



I think it is important to remember that Ram stated in that very guide that drilling and welding to the frame are not recommended and will be the full responsibility of the owner or whoever does the work. Then, after that statement, the guide gave detailed suggestions for how it could be done.

I remember when this came out. The procedure is very detailed in its explanation of where and how to weld or drill holes (w/ gussets). Didn't take long before hitch manufacturers came up with bolt on units. I sure wouldn't want anybody fabbing up a hitch when name brand versions are available that are tested and safe.

 

[jelag]

The B&W goose neck hitch's I've installed in 4 or 5 trucks all bolt through the frame in existing holes... in each case B&W provided spacers that were installed in the frame to prevent the frame from collapsing when the through bolts were tightened...

I used one of these hitches on a goose neck trailer that was rated at 22K lbs... we towed this trailer loaded up to 20K lbs for 240K miles before we put a larger truck in service...

Mind you... the first 40 or 50K miles we were looking under the bed every week or so checking the fasteners and the brackets to see if things were ok even though it was rated higher than the weight we were pulling... .

We also have the companion hitch to switch to 5th wheels...

For us, this hitch has given us the most versatility of anything we've done in the past... . for us, its a great combination... .

In each case, except the 5500 we bought they came with factory pull hitches...

When we built the body for the 5500 we had to install a bar (rear bumper) to prevent a small car from sliding under the body and running the end of the body into the windshield... . There's a DOT term for this, just can't remember it... anyway all these parts are welded... and so is the female receiver for the hitch... .

Hope this helps...

BTW - also agree with Prairie Dog... . we have access to a mechanical engineer who signs off on most of the changes we make... . actually with his sign off we'd weld to the frame or drill the frame but to date we just haven't had the need with a little thought before hand... but these trucks had DOT #'s and were inspected... so we needed to do it safe. .

 

[HookMeUp]

I did forget to mention this was about the installation of a 5th wheel hitch. I think I will be doing the work myself. I ordered a B&W with a companion last night.

 

[RVTRKN]

Excellent choice, I love mine, and before you buy an "Airglide" or same type of contraption, see how you like it. Mine seems to hold nice and tight and have no movement of the pin, which is more crucial because of my manual trany. I thought about buying one when I bought my Arctic Fox 5ver, but found the hitch to be exceptional, and I don't think there is a need for one.

 

[Jim W]

Jim W, after revisiting the link, is that for the C&C? It would make a difference.

What I posted was for all models of the Dodge pick-up truck and C&C model trucks.



When you click the Ram icon and go to the technical information. This link will appear about a 3rd of the way down.

Jim

 

[RVTRKN]

FWIW I sold the 04. 5 to my brother and don't have to worry anymore about the Hdro formed frame.

 

[RVTRKN]

I did forget to mention this was about the installation of a 5th wheel hitch. I think I will be doing the work myself. I ordered a B&W with a companion last night.

How do you like the B&W hitch?

 

[HBarlow]

FWIW I sold the 04. 5 to my brother and don't have to worry anymore about the Hdro formed frame.

How did you buy an '07 without a hydro-formed frame? My C&C has a hydro-formed frame.

 

[RVTRKN]

The front of the frame is hydro formed, and under the cab it transtions into the C channel, look at your rear frame, its C channel.

 

[HBarlow]

The front of the frame is hydro formed, and under the cab it transtions into the C channel, look at your rear frame, its C channel.

The fact that the frame is shaped in a "C" shape does not preclude being shaped by water under pressure.

The frame of all Dodge Rams is hydroformed and has been since the Gen IIIs were introduced in summer of 2002. Even yours. Believe it or not, your choice.