3G Trucks with Frame Issues? Bed ON?

[LFalconer]

All, There have been multiple posts in the past related to frame cracks on 3G trucks, but - the one's I am familiar with have all been service body install related.



Anyone having issues with frame cracking in a "standard" Bed On application?



Especially towing with Gooseneck or Fifth wheel?



Looking at potentially picking up an 06 Ram, as the 06 Ford I have is going through buyback - no way can I touch another 6. 0, and I won't be the science experiment for the 6. 4L in the F*rd.



My son told me to buy the dodge, he was right [he owns a 97 Dodge 12v with 133K on it. . bought it from me, What was I thinking???





Thanks,



Luke

 

[steved]

All, There have been multiple posts in the past related to frame cracks on 3G trucks, but - the one's I am familiar with have all been service body install related.



Anyone having issues with frame cracking in a "standard" Bed On application?



Especially towing with Gooseneck or Fifth wheel?



Looking at potentially picking up an 06 Ram, as the 06 Ford I have is going through buyback - no way can I touch another 6. 0, and I won't be the science experiment for the 6. 4L in the F*rd.



My son told me to buy the dodge, he was right [he owns a 97 Dodge 12v with 133K on it. . bought it from me, What was I thinking???





Thanks,



Luke

I for one have only ever heard rumors of "cracked frames"... can you please point us to where you heard/read this?? I'm curious as to the cause...



I don't think I have even read of a single cracked 3rd gen frame on this forum, I searched on it when I bought my slide in as it was "rumored" that the reason DC didn't recommend a slide-in camper was the frame might crack... but I have not read a single post of a cracked frame...



steved

 

[LFalconer]

I understand this to be the case from a DC authorized upfitter. There was a kit released in 05 to assist in service bed placement / mounting.



THe upfitter had seen pictures from DC of cracked frames, on service bed trucks, quad cab lwb models, right behind the cab.



I would not install a service bed, but keep the bed on, prime use is towing a Gooseneck trailer with loads up to 15K and pin weights to 3. 5K lbs.



Thanks, Luke

 

[BHolm]

Luke, I have had four third gen Rams, all with gooseneck set ups and original beds on. My '03 dually has had a hitch in it since new and now has 97k miles on it. It spent the first 95k miles as a work truck permanently hooked to a 36' gooseneck that ranged from 8k empty to 16k loaded. The truck was in and out of contruction jobsites almost daily. There is no problem with the frame on that truck, or the QC SB I used at work for 75k miles, or either of the two I have had for strictly personal use(including some heavy loads)



I think the problem has to do with how service bodies are attatched to the frame. Welding to the frame may be the issue. In my experience though, I haven't had any problems and my trucks were used hard day in and day out.

 

[LFalconer]

Thanks! I'm in a similar situation as you describe - no service body, but use with a gooseneck over fields / uneven terrain - loaded similarly.



My sense is that the bed gives the additional stiffness required, and a Properly attached G/N [like a B&W turnover] would be good for the long haul



Thx, Luke

 

[TowPro]

and when they say "service body" they don't mean the new truck made for the service body. Its to new to tell, but I bet it don't have any frame problems either.

 

[BHolm]

I don't know how hard they pushed it in the last few years but when I bought my dually new in the spring of '03, DC was giving a credit if you wanted to "upfit" your truck with some type of service body or flatbed. That was obviously prior to the straight rail models they are coming out with for '07. The "potential" problem lies with regular 3rd gens that have had pick-up boxes removed and something else installed in its place.

 

[DRead]

service body

I have an 05 with service body installed by aproved dealer it is mounted with long bolts with a spring like a valve spring under the whole bed and frame mount so the frame can still flex. Also it has a camper permanently mounted on the service bed. Total weight extra about 1100 lbs. I have been all over remote baja ,many very rough roads, mabey even a little air, no problems. DRC race suspension 30000 miles,pretty good loads, good so far!

 

[DMesloh]

I have a service body on my 05, 26k on the truck so far no problems, I installed it to the same points as the factory bed

 

[steved]

Hmmm, I could see that... two things...



Welding to the frame is a definate potential problem...



And if the service body was stiff enough to make the rear section of the frame ridgid... it would force more flex to happen in front of the service body... right behind the cab. That would be the reason the springs are installed... they did this on some of the military vehicles too back in the day...



steved