06 dodge frame

[jhen359]

I just bought an 06 dodge 2500 diesel, the dealer had me go to an RV shop to have a 5th wheel hitch put in, the shop welded the 5th wheel brackets to the frame, from what i understand that is a no no on these frame, the dealer says they dont know what i am talking about as far as welding on the frame. Can any one tell me whats up with this?????

Thanks Jerry

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

This is an old topic, going back to 2003 when the Turbo Diesels were changed from a C section to a boxed frame. The factory has specific recommendations regarding attaching brackets to the frame. Do a search; I don't recall the thread names.

 

[byoslandry]

5th Wheel Hitch Frame welding

I have both a 2004 & a 2006 2500 CTD and had Super 5th Wheel hitches put in both of them. I asked the dealer about mounting these hitches to the frame. His response was the warranty would hold as long as you don't weld or drill holes in the frames. I have about 37,000 miles on the 2004 and have pulled my 32' 5th wheeler for about 15,000 of those miles and haven't experienced any problems with the bolts going through the existing frame holes.

Both of my trucks are stock and plan to keep them that way due to warranties.

Be safe

Byron

 

[TRLRTRSH]

Check under Site Features at the top of the page, then, TSB's look in the "03" year model under Frames. I have the full copy of the TSB and it states ,,, proper industry standards ect ect are followed,,of course that's not the exact wording. but your warranty will NOT be void (in my opinion)

Bill

 

[DPKetchum]

In my opinion welding goes back to the dark ages. So many of the MODERN hitches bolt on with no issues why take a chance on a weld,burning frame paint,weaking a section etc.

 

[AMassaro]

Anyone who is competent at welding should have no problem welding on our frames. As long as they did it right, which if that's what they do for a living, it should be... . I wouldn't worry one bit. JMHO...

 

[vagabond]

I have a 2004 that has the goosneck welded. It was installed by Take3 in Texas. I pulled a 38ft car hauler and to avoid a accident I went up a embankment fully loaded. The truck was at such a angle that it almost tipped. With all of the flexing of the trailer I was concerned and had the welds tested. Everything was as good as it can be. I would not worry about it like AMassaro stated they do it every day.



Tommie

 

[MChildress]

Dodge says not to drill in the top or bottom of frame rails. Not to drill any hole larger than 3/4 inch in the sides and to use spacers inside the frame rail so not collapse the sides. (I'v seen several 5er hitches installed where the side rails are bent in from not useing spacers) They say you can weld to the frame. I have a B&W gooseneck hitch that is no weld,my tuff country running boards are welded to the frame and I have had no problems.

 

[artie]

Here is site URL that has DCX info about frame does and don't



http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/13-001-03.htm

 

[ridgid]

I recently took delivery of an 06 3500 dually. In order to prevent drilling or welding the frame I ordered the kit # 50040 from E-Trailer. I was disappointed after inspecting the kit & reading the directions that it is not compatable with the dually because of the overload spring brackets. After much head scratching I decided that I could cut the overload bracket flush with the frame and again 3/8" away from the frame. This cut only needs to be made on the inside weld for each bracket. I used a thin metal cutting wheel on a 41/2 " grinder to make the cuts. I needed to raise the bed 6 inches to allow the attaching plate to slide down in the cuts I had made. After installing all the hardware and making sure everything was properly positioned I had the brackets welded by a certified welder to the plate I had just installed. In my opinion I have a very strong attractive installation and have not damaged my frame.

 

[J&LRam]

as poster says TSB 13-001-03 dated 2-7-03 allows for drilling and welding on the 3rd gen frames. These frames are AISI 1010-1019 mild steel and forming/drilling/welding works great. Crawl under the Dodge and the whole frame is a welded structure. My 5er hitch brkts was welded 3-15-03 and pull a 11200 lb 5er. No probs with 56000+ miles. My neighbor has a 3500 flat bed with 230000 miles [commercial hauler] and his GN hitch brkts were welded. He hauls in excess of 26000+ lbs on occasion.

This no weld/drill rumor is like the "Ford owns Cummins" rumor.

 

[lgjohnson]

I have an '03 and installed the Reese rails myself... per their directions. On all but one location I was able to use the supplied stud bolts. On the driver's rear, the bolt/nut combo ended up ever so slightly rubbing the fuel tank!! I ended up cutting that bolt off, digging the instructions back out that gave the details for the welding option and ended up welding that one bracket. I now have 60,000 and have towed some medium-sized loads. I was back under the truck a few weeks ago to install the FASS system and I cleaned and visually inspected the welds. They appear fine. I'd just follow the TSB guidlines and you should be fine.

 

[BMcGuffie]

when i built my flatbed on my '06, i found out there's nowhere to properly bolt things to the frame anywhere, so i drilled and sleeved 2 holes on each side and TIG welded the sleeves into the frame, directly in line under the bed's gooseneck hitch, along with my other mounts, no problems, pulled 27,000lbs several times, as long as done right, it'll work, just be sure the truck is level on all corners when welding, you dont want a permanently crooked truck...

 

[LFalconer]

Frame Longevity?

All, There were some threads about 1. 5 years ago related to frame failures etc from improper attachment of aftermarket beds etc.



Interested in whether in normal use; ie G/N or 5th wheel towing and staying within GCWR / GVWR - has anyone experienced frame crack / failure issues?



I am in the market for an 06, and had an 04. 5 that was bought back due to driveline vibration.



One issue with this frame is that they are boxed, and potentially could over time collect crud / salt etc and rust.





Thanks in advance.



L