Frame Issue

[dkollar33]

According to a article in "Trailer Life" (March 2003), Dodge sent them a truck with a 5th wheel hitch that had been mounted by Chrysler Technicians that had involved drilling the frame. They (Trailer Life) questioned Dodge about this and they said "Our warranty issues are no different than Ford or GM and did not change with the new Ram HD compared with the previous-generation Ram. " They went on to say "The warranty issue only exists if the actual work done to the truck by an outside fitter damages the frame and an issue arises from that work". Does anyone really know the truth?????

 

[Casey Balvert]

Dodge provided guidelines regarding the drilling of the new frames a couple of months ago. Basically if you drill a hole and the frame is damage because of it, then you are on your own. Initially Dodge was very staunch in its statement "Dodge recommends not to drill the frame" which changed obviously when the guidelines came out. And while it may be true that the warrantee language dealing with this is no different than that of Ford or GM, neither of those trucks have hydroformed metal where the hitch installs. That situation is unique to Dodge.



Since I am not the most trusting sort especially when it comes to my $40,000 truck, I chose the safest route and installed a Pullrite hitch that did NOT require any holes to be drilled in the frame. In the end everyone decides what is best for them and only time will tell if the drilling causes any damage to the hydroformed metal. As they say, when it comes to vehicle alterations, you are your own warrantee station.



Casey

 

[JohndeereG]

Originally posted by dkollar33

They went on to say "The warranty issue only exists if the actual work done to the truck by an outside fitter damages the frame and an issue arises from that work". Does anyone really know the truth?????

Do has we say not as we Do.



I will be hauling our farm pulling tractors on a 12K gooseneck trailer. I originally was going to install the universal bed rail kit by Drawtite and use the gooseneck spanner plate. By going this route, I'd be able to use my brothers Reese 5th wheel hitch and his camper. Drawtite's kit is a no drill system.



I have elected to go with a turnover ball hitch by B&W. They utilize u-bolts as part of the no drill system. The chances of me pulling his camper is pretty slim. With the turnover ball, I will be able to have an open bed. The kit arrived yesterday and I am hoping to install the hitch over the weekend. I'll post pictures during the process.

 

[Pit Bull]

Just wondering? When you read about the hydro formed frames they say they are stiffer but are they stronger? Or did they hire Bill Clinton to write their marketing hype. Is hydro forming away of using thinner steel that is processed to make it stiffer and lighter and just as strong and less expensive to manufacture? I wonder how strong the hydro formed frames are compared to the old frame design if you accidentally weld it or drill an incorrect hole? Does that make it weaker then the old frame design?

 

[bighammer]

I would guess (key word GUESS) the worry of drilling a frame lies in mods that are near the middle, engine mounts, or suspension mounting areas. The front or rear of a truck frame take a light load (compared to other parts) except in an accident or towing beyond recomended limits. JMHO of course.

 

[dkollar33]

I bought my truck in Oct and had the hitch installed by Nov (drilled the frame myself) before any of this came out. I just wish someone would of told me before I bought the truck that I wouldn't be able to use it because no "no drill" hitches were available at the time. In fact no mention was even made of the frame and its issues at dealing time.

 

[e-man-da-warranty-man]

My 2 cents- having seen a bare '03 3500 lwb 4x4 rolling chassis and also in the past saw a 2nd gen chassis, the 03 chassis is an improvement. '03 Frame rails are taller and the chassis as a whole weighs actually more than previous models. If the hitch is properly installed, and common sense is used when towing there shouldn't be an issue to begin with. .



last thought- I cant remember the last time I saw a broken, cracked, or failed frame unless there was a severe case of negligence. Happy towing y'all.

 

[Steve M]

When you read the truth in black and white from the people who built the truck, why is it so hard to accept it as truth? We don't drill and fasten to the top or bottom of the frame rails and we don't drill through both sides of the frame rail and squeaze the frame rail together. Other than that, it's pretty much the same as it's always been with all three manufacturers. If you damage the frame, it's not covered by warranty. If you damage a C-channel frame, it's not covered by warranty either. The sky's not falling on my truck. I drilled and installed my hitch per Reese's instructions. It looks like it did in my '98 and '01. 5 trucks. It tows great and I sleep well.