Better than factory trailer hitch?

[AH64ID]

I read the instructions on this hitch and they are instructing us to drill into the hydroformed frame. I know Reese is top quality, and I'm sure they have researched this, I imagine, but what is your opinion on this?

I also had to drill for the installation of my front receiver. Drilling a hydroformed frame isn't fun! But here is the TSB that talks about it. TSB 13-001-03



I personally don't mind drilling. I would prefer a no-drill for ease of installation, but the nice thing about the Resse is its putting some of that load further forword on the frame, which with all the rutted dirt road driving I do is something I really like. I think those holes actaully get drilled in front of the rear spring mount, but I am not sure without having the hitch in hand.



That hitch is MUCH stronger than I need, but I like the mounitng system the best. I will proabably have a sleeve welded into the receiver to make it a 2" since I own nothing in the 2. 5" range, and don't think I will ever need it. It also makes the pin hole that much tougher having the sleve welded in.

 

[MMeier]

IIRC, there was one hole on the bottom side that had to be drilled, no big deal , next time you're up here , check it out . Had to run out and get 2 new bolts for one area, as the ones in the kit were the wrong length, too short. Very happy with this set up.

 

[RVTRKN]

The more I thought about it today, the hole to be drilled is on the end of the frame so I guess its no big deal. Where as the standard reese brackets for thier rails are a different story, being in the middle of the frame. I don't have to worry anymore due to my "C channel" frame for the C&C, but as I have noted before, I bought a set of brackets that clamped around the hydroformed frame so I wouldn't have to weld or drill on the frame. Being over the axle would bother me, due to being a major stress point.



Meier, its been a while since I was in Vegas, maybe I'll ride my new Harley to Vegas soon.

 

[RideSlow2004]

Sorry so long getting back to this thread, I didn't get much from the insurance company, ended up being easier to use the 'recommended' shop, and just get a new rear bumper. Since I have known the owner of the shop for 30+ years, he was able to get a factory bumper from Dodge for the same price the insurance reman would have been, and I had them do my lower rear bed panel. I had scratched it up pretty good, and since it was in the shop, and the bumper was off, made it a bit cheaper for the work. Torklift will look at my hitch, but they said they can strengthen it without replacing it, and keep it under $200. 00.