Does AnYBODY have a hitch yet?

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Originally posted by EOwen

P. S.

Not the cheapest option!

My wife keeps asking me why I have to have such expensive

hobbies.

trucks, jeeps, snowmobiles, mini-bikes, tractors, trailers, hunting,

house additions, vehicle hoists, etc etc.

She asks "will it ever end"?

Just think we live on different sides of the country and are married to the same girl... ... ... ... ... ...

 

[klenger]

Quote

"P. S.

Not the cheapest option!

My wife keeps asking me why I have to have such expensive

hobbies.

trucks, jeeps, snowmobiles, mini-bikes, tractors, trailers, hunting,

house additions, vehicle hoists, etc etc.

She asks "will it ever end"?"



You forgot, computers, cell phones, home theatre, laptops, PDAs, stereos, ...



At least I don't waste any money buying nice clothes.

 

[jimnance]

The second genration "C" channel frame was massive. C channel is what they use on big truck because otherwise it is difficult to attach things to a box frame. Our problem.



Dodge claims that the new frame was developed because it is lighter and stronger than the prior one. That MAY be true, but I suspect that economics played a big part. Note that the new frame is lighter. Lighter means less steel, and probably less cost. Stonger? Maybe, but at what cost to those of us that want to mount a fifth wheel or aftermarket hitch. The solution that Dodge suggests is a pain in the arse at best.



I've also noticed another area where they cut corners. In my '99 it came equipped with a plastic inner rear fender guard. First thing I noticed was the sharp DING! as gravel hit the bare metal in the rear fenders. Also the entire area forward is open to whatever mud and debris gets thrown that way. The solution? Dodge will SELL you ($89. 00) the inner guard, installation is another $50. 00 is you have them do it. I'm sure all the mfrs are taking some shortcuts to save cost, but this one is SO noticeable.

 

[klenger]

If one was to drill oversize and install the sleves per DC recomendation, I think you would want to be very precise to prevent the sleevs from wearing out the holes. You would want a tight fit. DC should have built the holes sleeves into the frame so that a hitch could be installed w/o voiding the warranty. I know that we wouldn't complain, and I doubt that the hitch manufactures would have complained.



Wow, what a concept, ... a bolt-on 5th wheel hitch for HD pick-up trucks. Next thing we'll want would be wiring provisions for a trailer plug in the bed.

 

[kbarlow]

Originally posted by klenger





Wow, what a concept, ... a bolt-on 5th wheel hitch for HD pick-up trucks. Next thing we'll want would be wiring provisions for a trailer plug in the bed.

LOL that is funny ... ... the wizz kid that thought this program up needs his arse kicked.



Cheers Ken

 

[Casey Balvert]

I would be willing to bet that wizz kid never pulled a trailer in his life and probably thinks a fifth wheel is the spare tire.



I am really trying to keep my sense of humour on this one but it is wearing very very thin.



Casey

 

[Brett Maverick]

LET FORD FIX IT......

So, unless Dodge comes out with a TSB, (maybe even a free dealer install for universal 5th wheel hitch mounts) we just send this thread to Ford and Chevy, and the advertising slams they'll get out of it will get more attention from DC than all our emails put together.

They'd come up with a fix real quick to keep the competition from trashin on them... ... ...



Brett

 

[stg2500]

Dodge must know something about installing a fifth wheel or GN hitch in the new HD's that they are not revealling. There was a photo of a 3500 pulling a GN flatbed trailer with a F**D duallie in one of the last issues of Truck Trend.



Why would DC design and build a HD pickup without any consideration for a GN or 5th hitch installation? Is that why the salesmen are pushing the fact that the back seats have grocery bag hooks when they are folded? That is, they were not meant to be used as work horses like the 2nd gens? Hopefully DC didn't mean what is being impied.



DC hopefullywill come up with a reasonable solution

 

[Dean Upson]

The frame is new and the hitch manufacturers engineers just have to get a good look at it and they will come up with a solution. There is to much $$$$$ to be made in the rv industry to ignore a good sized piece of their business. Since when has any vehicle manufacturer given a damn about any aftermarket application and that is just what the hitch is. The rv industry, not D/C will save us. I suspect the no drill issue will be revisited. Just my opinion.



Dean