2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission cracked trailer hitch

[Hootguy]

I just found craks in the folds of both sides of my trailer hitch,,

The truck is a 96 3500 4x4.

All those guys that have had this happenned too,,,how did you fix it. .

New hitch??weld???OEM or aftermarket. .

Has anybody had any luck getting DC to cover it under somekind of safety warranty,,,my truck is not under the recall notice for 98-99 trucks. .

Seems to me this is a serious safety issue and should be covered.

Any ideas would be appreciated

 

[SMorneau]

There was a recall but I don't think it included the 96 year. My 96 cracked and I had it welded and then got the recall kit from the dealer and installed it myself.





The kit consist of 2 brackets and some bolts. The brackets support the hitch further towards the back of the frame rails. I think it is an acceptable fix for medium towing needs. I would want a new hitch if I were pulling hard and heavy.



I suspect the portions that were cracked were formed against the grain of the metal.

 

[dseabaugh]

My 97 cracked in the corner of the L flange that bolts to the bottom of the frame rail. Replaced with a new hitch. That one did the same thing when my pickup was rearended. I welded gussets on that one till I could replace it with a new one again.

 

[RustyJC]

If I were going to use the receiver for serious towing, I'd just can the thing and replace it with a good Class V hitch like the Reese Titan or something similar.



JM2CW



Rusty

 

[jrobinson2]

My father inlaw got the hitch replaced for free on his '96 right after the recall was issued in 2000 or 2001.

Jared

 

[MLee]

Mine did the same thing about three years ago. went to the dealer, was told that it did not fall into the guide lines of the recall, and my truck was not covered. After a lot of discussing the matter they said they would cover half the cost. ( $132. 50)Ya $275. 00 total. Now why on earth would I pay half, to put the same hitch on with the same potental problem??? replaced it with an after market hitch, that looks better and is tucked up under the bumper. The parts man gave me a whopping deal on a new after market one.

I also posted at the time for all who towed, to check the draw bars for cracks in this area, this is a safety concern. Also went on the NHTSA web site and lodged a complaint, as every one should, and maybe able to force an investigation into this problem.

Check yours now to be safe.

Marv.

 

[y-knot]

Your hitch has served you well, it should be replaced with another of atleast the same rating.