Fifth wheel installation

[TerryG]

Just read an interesting article concerning drilling the frame on the 03s in the latest trailer life and they mentioned that company techs drilled thru the frame without compromising the integrity. They said there has been a lot of confusion about this and the warranty on the frame has always been that if a problem arises due to the installation process then the owner is liable.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Confusion is right. DC has always said that any damage arising out of installing aftermarket products is not covered by the warrantee. However this is the first year that the Customer Service Reps have actually made the statement, "DC recommends not to drill the frame". Since that time DC has released guidelines regarding the drilling of the frames but apparently has not released that memo to the dealers. Certainly not my dealer anyway. Given what I paid for that truck, I opted in the end not to drill the frame by installing a Pullrite fifth wheel hitch. Their Superbracket mounting kits use existing holes and clamping brackets to attach the bedrails to the frame. Turnoverball is another manufacturer that makes a no drill system but is primarily for gooseneck applications. They make a fifth wheel hitch conversion but some have complained of bucking problems with it. Perhaps because of the single attachment point in the center. My point is that there are alternatives out there if you choose not to drill the frame. Time will be the judge as to the potential for damage due to drilling. FWIW.



CAsey

 

[Fireman]

What Casey said + Pullrite is one of the finest built hitches avalable. Just compare it's easy to see.

Firman

 

[Dean Upson]

I did the same thing as Casey and Fireman. PullRite for the same reasons.



Dean

 

[HBrink]

5th wheel hitch for 2003

I just ordered a 2003 quad-cab DRW LB, 4. 10, 6 spd and was perusing this forum for hints and tips on fifth wheel hitches for my 35 foot Alpenlite (max wt 15,000).



Having seen some positive references to the Pullright hitches I went to their web site to learn more about them. They didn't show a single hitch that would fit my new rig!!:{



Would anyone who currently has a 2003 with a Pullright please set me straight?



Thanks,

Harry

 

[klenger]

HBrink



I have not clue how to help answer your question, but would like to welcome you to the finest truck forum on the internet, although most members here seem to kind of biased towards Dodge.

 

[Casey Balvert]

They are available

Hank,



Pullrite DOES have hitches and mounting systems for the 2003 Dodges. The website is done in house and the gentleman that usually does this is currently at a trade show. The last information that I received from them indicated they were finalizing the instructions and drawings to package with the kits. They will ship you a kit or you can obtain them through your distributor where you buy the hitch itself. It sounds like you need the 20. 5 Superfifth.



I would recommend calling Lynda in Customer Service at Pullrite at the toll free number listed on the website. She can tell you much more than I can.



Feel free to PM with your email address if you want some pictures of my installation although I have the 25. 5 version (25,500 pounds). I know a couple of the other members with the 20. 5 who may be willing to share some of the installation information with you.



I am not associated with Pullrite in anyway. I just know a good product when I see one. The hitch equivalent of the Cummins.



Good luck.



Casey

 

[Dean Upson]

Harry,



I feel the same as Casey does about PullRite. I have some pictures (not as extensive as Casey's "collection") of my 20,500 installed. I would be glad to send some to you if you give me your e-mail address in a pm.



Dean

 

[RJOL]

I know this topic was posted a few months ago, but just in case you found it by searching, here is the Pullrite web site. They do have hitches that are bolt on (no drill). Have fun...



http://www.pullrite.com/5thWheelApplications.html

 

[Prairie Dog]

Us Biased klenger? Why some of my best friends own brand X. Well, OK... one of them owns a chev and the guy with the ferd wont talk to me anymore.