5er hitch on new 2003 trucks?

[Fireman]

Greg,



I like the sound of that. Still waiting for a hitch.



Fireman

 

[Casey Balvert]

Fireman,



When I spoke to Pullrite last week, they indicated that they may design a hitch specifically for the new Dodges if they can't get around some some of the roadblocks with the new frame. Apparently the different models have different problems and it sounds like they have made some headway with some as far as the brackets go. I don't think they are in production yet though. It sounds like the 2WD dually is the biggest problem of all because of the overload spring bracket and the clearance on this truck. Figures I would have the tough model.



The trailer goes into storage today. I am so upset with Dodge that I am having a friend with a Cheby (choke) pull it over there for me this morning. So Pullrite has until March to figure this thing out. If not, I WILL drill the frame. I bought this truck to pull that trailer and THAT is what it will do. Too back DC can't get off their butts and help to come up with a solution. (In DC's own words "It is the responsibility of the hitch manufacturer to use an approved method of attaching the fifth wheel hitch. Well DC's idea of an approved method is that you can't drill the frame. They don't tell you however what methods are approved. ) It would have been so easy to engineer fifth wheel hitch installation brackets into the frame at the design stage. But I guess they don't think anyone is going to tow with these rigs. Frustrated and camping season is over. Bummer.



Cheers, Casey

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Casey,

I talked with the Klocklier from DD and they had to drill the frame so they could test. Ya know WOT pulling the heaviest trailer known to man. Anyway, they drilled the frame with a larger hole on the inside. Inserted a sleeve and used a fender washer to make up for the hole. Said it is working fine. I for one went with a clamp on hitch. But I use a gooseneck not a 5er and

we all know the difference in mounting... ... ... .

 

[Brett Maverick]

TRUCK'S IN THE DRIVEWAY!!

But I'm still in need of a 5'er hitch.

Has any of the hitch manufacturer's developed a set of brackets to actually mount a regular 5'er hitch with no drilling or welding, and have them currently available?



I have an 18K Hidden Hitch rails and all, just need a set of brackets.



Thanks,

Brett

 

[kbarlow]

Re: TRUCK'S IN THE DRIVEWAY!!

Originally posted by Brett Maverick

But I'm still in need of a 5'er hitch.

Has any of the hitch manufacturer's developed a set of brackets to actually mount a regular 5'er hitch with no drilling or welding, and have them currently available?



Thanks,

Brett

None... . Pullrite said they may have something later in this coming week. This is becoming frustrating!



Ken

 

[Brett Maverick]

Still waiting

I called Reese / Drawtite, Hidden Hitch and Pullrite. All claim to be in progress, but so far nobody has scored.



First trip's in less than a week. Hope they get this thing figured out... ... ...



Brett

 

[Casey Balvert]

My dealer pointed out yesterday that the fifth wheel hitch/frame issue is not new. He pointed to a section in the 2002 Owner's Manual that stated that Chrysler would not cover damage caused by modifications due to the installation of various things such as sun roofs, trailer hitches etc. I told him I didn't have a problem with that statement.



I did have a problem with DC specifically releasing a statement that advised "NOT TO DRILL THE FRAME". Why? There must be a reason and the only one that makes sense so far is that it has something to do with the hydroformed frame. I told the dealer that I expected either Chrysler supplies a fifth wheel hitch that meets their requirements or they provide clear and reasonable guidelines on how a hitch CAN be installed. I am using my contacts in an attempt to connect with someone who knows what they are talking about at DC but so far my emails and messages have been passed on. But I am keeping my fingers crossed.



After all DC states "Daimler Chrysler Corporation requires that for warranty coverage, vehicles towing trailer with a weight rating of 12,000 pounds or more must be equipped with a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch. "



In other words DC says I gotta have one on my truck. So put up or shut up, DC. This is an awful expensive vehicle for just driving to church on Sunday.



Cheers, Casey

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

I know you guys say it isn't the way to go but, B&W has a fifth wheel hitch. It mounts to the gooseneck. I think it would be fine. I hauled 20,000 lbs with the new 03 dually the other day and that hitch works fine. I don't think they could sell it if it wasn't safe. www.turnoverball.com

 

[RustyJC]

Greg et al,



Just an update on my situation with the B&W companion RV (5th wheel) hitch. Not everyone who has used this hitch has experienced the bucking and surging problems we did. I've been communicating via e-mail with Mr. Joe Works, the President of B&W about my problem. I took some digital photos of my installation, and Mr. Works is concerned that there may have been a manufacturing error in my hitch that's causing the problem.



At any rate, he shipped us a complete new hitch assembly (the turnoverball gooseneck and the companion RV hitch) - it arrived at the house yesterday afternoon. He wants us to pull our old hitch out, install the new and ship the old one back to B&W for inspection. I'm going to try to get them changed out this weekend, so maybe I'll have some news soon on whether or not our problem has been solved.



I certainly don't have any complaints to date about B&W's efforts to correct the situation. To be fair to them, they have a lot of other satisfied users who apparently haven't had this problem, so I certainly am not suggesting that anyone not purchase their product.



Rusty

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

What causes the bucking. I have that happen in both of my trucks when I hauls 20,000+ lbs. Just wondering.

 

[RustyJC]

Greg,



I'm not talking about the "bucking" when taking off from a stop. That seems to be a normal characteristic - soft engine/transmission mounts, spring wrap, etc. The only way around that I've found is to ease out the clutch without applying throttle. Once the clutch is out, then roll into the throttle.



The "bucking" problem we experienced occurs during a hard stop. The 5ver was banging back and forth hard enough to throw one of our Shelties off the back seat into the floor and to scare the he!! out of my wife. It felt and sounded like the 5ver was going to tear the hitch out of the frame and come through the cab! This problem turned out to be due to flexing in the hitch assembly. The manufacturing error Mr. Works is concerned about caused the frame for the companion RV hitch to ride "high" in the back (the end toward the tailgate). His contention is that, if the 5ver hitch frame is pulled down evenly and securely against the bed, it has enough restraining force not to "buck". He says that part of his investigation of our problem was to install a new hitch in his personal 2001 2500 and hitch up to a 16,000 lb 5ver - with this rig, he says that he couldn't reproduce the "bucking" problem.



We'll see when I get the new hitch in, I guess...



Rusty

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Well I will be putting her to the test tomorrow with 26600 lbs in tow I have a truck load of hay to haul 30 miles. I have felt a bucking at low rpm's as you spoke of but with smooth throttle it goes away instantly.....

 

[ksele]

Reese 5er parts available from Reese

Just got off the phone with Reese customer service and was told the Reese 5th wheel bracket kit for 2003 Dodge Rams is now available. The part number for the kit is 58186 and it has to be ordered through your RV hitch dealer in your area. (My RV dealer ordered it and received it already. ) Guess I'll buy the new 2003 single wheel heavy duty 3500 Ram diesel that my dealer has been holding for me afterall. I was almost ready to tell him to forget about it and go looking for a Ford. Whew!... that was close!.

 

[Bob Miller]

Re: Reese 5er parts available from Reese

Originally posted by ksele

Just got off the phone with Reese customer service and was told the Reese 5th wheel bracket kit for 2003 Dodge Rams is now available. The part number for the kit is 58186 and it has to be ordered through your RV hitch dealer in your area. (My RV dealer ordered it and received it already. ) Guess I'll buy the new 2003 single wheel heavy duty 3500 Ram diesel that my dealer has been holding for me afterall. I was almost ready to tell him to forget about it and go looking for a Ford. Whew!... that was close!.

I spoke with Reese just the other day and they said with there kit you still have to drill ! Double check this on your end and let us know I will call Reese again also.

 

[Casey Balvert]

And when I asked Reese the other day if the installation was DC approved, they responded with, "We have nothing in writing". I thought they might have been an alternative to what I was planning but if drilling is allowed then other makers will drill as well. But I have yet to see DC say "You can drill" in writing.



Casey

 

[Bob Miller]

Originally posted by CBalvert

And when I asked Reese the other day if the installation was DC approved, they responded with, "We have nothing in writing". I thought they might have been an alternative to what I was planning but if drilling is allowed then other makers will drill as well. But I have yet to see DC say "You can drill" in writing.



Casey

Thats seems to be our problem D/C will not even say how they hooked up the trailers that they towed in there ad, but they do go on to say that anything over 10,000 pounds needs a fifth wheel hitch Now if this is the case then I say we all start fireing letters off to D/C and demand to know how not to void our warranties after all D/C knows why we are buying these trucks it sounds to me as if D/C wants us to void the warrantie on the frame is there something that D/C is not telling us are they not confident with there new frame design I say that if we get no action from D/C that we all band together and hire a lawyer I for one will chip in a few bucks after all a few bucks now could wind up saving the forty grand that I shelled out,Man this truck is becoming an awfull expensive grcery getter.

so what do you guys think?

also they make claims that the Dodge will tow x amount of pounds well then they need to stand up and tell us how to do it.

are you listening D/C. :-{}

 

[Casey Balvert]

I am in. I am willing to do whatever it takes to force DC to honor the implied intended use of these trucks. I have asked then in writing how they attached the hitch in the ads they print. Silence. I didn't buy this thing to look pretty in my driveway; although it does look nice.



A number of snowbirds with new trucks have had to delay plans to head south and in a couple of cases people that I know are reconsidering ordering Dodges because of this hitch issue.



This must be great fodder on the Cheby site. My Duramax owner buddy keeps asking me how my new truck tows with a BIG **** eating grin on his face.



Casey

 

[RWorth]

I have the B&W Turnoverball gooseneck and the Companion 5th Wheel and not experienced the bucking problems either. Please keep us updated to the install of the new install.

 

[kbarlow]

Originally posted by Bob Miller

I say that if we get no action from D/C that we all band together and hire a lawyer :-{}

Sign me up!!



Ken

 

[Bob Miller]

Originally posted by kbarlow

Sign me up!!



Ken

This is something that we should look into! are there any lawyers on the TDR site? and I think we should all forward letters to D/C with our intent to hire legal counsule, I WANT TO TOW and I have no use for a Goose Neck set up I will never wind up using the Goose neck part so why shell out the cash for something that I have no use for! JMHO