adapter kit for reese rails to 2003 truck?

[smote]

I've been looking at ways to mount my current reese rails to a 2003 dodge 2500 4x4 truck (future purchase). I see that reese has an adapter kit available but I was wondering if there are any bolt on only kits available that would work. I know that dodge has said it's okay to drill if certain conditions are met but I would prefer not to do any drilling.

If all else fails I may just upgrade to a new hitch.

Who all makes a bolt on 5th wheel hitch?

 

[MABurns]

If it is an 2500 they have a bolt on (no drilling required) bracket. If it is a 3500 SRW or DRW you have to drill, and requires a different rear bracket because of the over load springs. . I did it and their instructions are good and meet the TSB for drilling (spacing and location of holes)

 

[MABurns]

Another thing I like is there are now 6 bolts going through the rails-bed- into brackets onto the frame and 4 that go just through just the bed.



That beats 4 and 4 on the old brackets.

 

[mfrost]

I just installed a Husky bolt on to my 600 1ton. Had to buy the Husky bed rails also but my little rocker hitch fit. The bolt on is not cheap but it went on slick. Of course it took all day to install. It was a puzzle and did a lot of verifying before I drilled holes in the bed. It wasn't cheap. $176 for the adapter and 54 for rails. The bolt on adapter was $50 but didn't want to drill holes in the frame and try to fish bolts through those frame holes.

 

[MABurns]

didn't want to drill holes in the frame and try to fish bolts through those frame holes

I hear ya, that was by far the most frustrating part for me. I have one bolt still in my frame--laying in the bottom--never to be seen again!

 

[smote]

Thanks for all the responses.



I've never heard of the Husky hitches before.

Do they have a Mfg. website?

 

[sluper]

Rails!

Why not do as I did ? I had a Pullrite hitch but hated the rails in the bed, I do use the bed for other things. I ordered and installed a B&W Turn- over- Ball and I really like the system. I could have and you can go with the "Goose Neck" adapter if you want to get the full 30-K capacity of the B&W Product for about the same money as the "RV Companion Hitch ". I am satisfied with the 18-K of the companion hitch. PM me for a place that has the best pricing I found.



Scott

 

[sluper]

Hitch Rails !!

I used the opportunity of the new truck to change my hitch since I really did not like the rails in the bed all the time when using it for other things. I checked around and decided to go with the B&W Turn- Over -Ball System. with the " RV Companion Hitch ". Flat bed when you want one. If you like you can get a Goose neck adapter and you can use the full 30-K of the hitch, I am satisfied with the 18-K of the companion hitch. PM me if you are interested and I will give you the place with the best price I found.





Scott

 

[CBrittan]

This brings a big question to my mind. I am waiting for my new 3500SRW Cummins 600 and removed my Reese 18K from my Chevvy K3500 Duramax when I sold it. My Chev had the rails welded on with no bolts. Does the new Dodge frame prohibit welding of any kind? If so, what is the Reese rail kit number for the 3500 4x4 SRW? My dealer implied he could weld a standard rail kit but maybe he doesn't know any better. Any suggestions?

 

[MABurns]

The standard install kits includes the welding instructions.

Due to the thickness of the frames it is highly recommended to have it done by a PRO -- and by that I mean somebody who does nothing else except weld. RV dealer... . nope not on my truck.