Anyone removed stock hitch??

[jsimpson]

Trying to install Reese Class V and can't get stock hitch off! Looks like I have to lift the bed, and I can't get the rear bed bolts loose... . HELP!!!

 

[Patriot_RAM]

Mine had to be removed when the Road Armor went on the truck -- The bed had to be unbolted and lifted 4 or 5 inches.



The alternative is to cut the rear hitch / brace off, but then it may still be in the way of the Reese. It would be best to keep trying to get the bolts loose and lift the bed. Good luck!

 

[jsimpson]

Doh! I didn't even SEE the holes in the trailer hitch for accessing the bed bolts!!! Surprise number 2: The original hitch does NOT have to be removed in spite of what the vendor said. Of course I've already cut out my old hitch!... .

 

[jsimpson]

OK; guess I'll put the old hitch back on too, and weld it back together where I cut it apart!

 

[aphillips]

I took mine off to install My DMI bumper. At the same time I did the fuel tank vent mod. It wasn't too bad, a shop some friends and a case of beer. Bolts were easy though, truck had 300 miles on it.

 

[DF5152]

what class V hitch do you have. Titan?

 

[MChildress]

My class V Titan bolted right up under the factory hitch. I didn't trust the factory hitch being placed on the end of the frame.

 

[DMesloh]

Isn't the factory hitch the last frame cross member?

 

[JDeVita]

Yes DMesloh, the factory hitch is part of the frame and should not be removed. I was told this when I had the Reese Titan class V installed on my 05 3500 SB SRW. It was purposely made to fit under the stock hitch.

 

[DMesloh]

JDeVita thanks I thought so. I was thinking of swapping my stock hitch onto my wifes 05 1500 and installing her crossmember and the Titan class 5 onto mine. I haven't measured yet to see if this is possible. I also need to check for clearance for my spare as it's matches the rest of my tires.

Dan

 

[JayB]

Class 5 hitch

I'm considering installing a Putnam class 5 XDR25211 hitch on my 05. It's rated at 15000# weight carrying and 16000# weight distributing. If you have a factory welded on hitch the receiver tube has to be cut off flush at the crossmember, other than that its a no drill installation. I thought I might price a new rear crossmember and just change that, it looks like it just bolts in. Do you have to raise the bed to get it out? I just put one on my Ford and its a very nice unit and much cheaper than the Reese. Jeff

 

[JayB]

Mchildress, How do you like the Titan? I was going to install a Putnam hitch but after looking under the truck last night it will be alot easier to install the Reese. Thanks, Jeff

 

[MChildress]

Jeff,I have had no problems with the Titan V and like it. The Titan has a 2 1/2" receiver opening and I believe the putman is 2",which is more common. They gave me 2 1/4 insert that lets me use a standard 2" receiver. I have a 4x4 and the Titan sets under the factory hitch which shortens the length for the drop hitch for the ball.

 

[geusterman]

Can the factory receiver be left above the aftermarket so two stingers could be added for an extension back under a camper? George

 

[Eric_77]

Yes Geaorge that is the way the Reese Titan hitch works they are stacked. The only issue would be that the stock hitch is rearward about 1/2 inch.

 

[geusterman]

Thanks Eric. Is there any clearance issues with the second receiver coming in under the stock one? Meaning clearance to the ground? George

 

[Lorenz]

Any pictures of this hitch that goes under the existing OEM hitch.



I search reeses www and can't find it. A link would work too...

 

[NDanecker]

When I unbolted my stock bumper to install the Buckstop bumper I needed to unbolt some of the bolts that held the stock hitch to it. The hitch bolts to the bottom of the bumper thru the center, if I remember correctly.



Even though I didn't remove the hitch completely, maybe removing the bumper will make it easy to remove the hitch.



Just a thought... .