Frame Width

[Spyke]

I am trying to find out if the frame width is the same on the 03 as it was on the second generation without actually going to the dealer and crawling under one. I have a class V super hitch and would like to use it when I order the new truck in February 03. Thanks for the help

 

[bmoeller]

It may be different. My boss' grandpa bought a new '02 1500 2wd (traded an '01 2wd) and he had to buy new mounting rails for his 5ver hitch and I think a new receiver hitch too. I guess these trucks have different frames than the previous gen. trucks.

 

[jimnance]

The hitch shop says the '03 frame is wider which was why they couldn't use the old rails for the fifth wheel.

 

[TBOB]

FRAME

I USED THE SAME RAILS FROM MY '99 FOR THE 5ER HITCH. I HAD TO GET A KIT FOR THE MOUNT BRACKETS ON THE REAR SIDE OF THE AXLE. THE REAR BRACKET PICKS UP BOTH FRONT AND REAR HOLES ON THE REAR RAIL BY USING TWO STEP BENT ANGLES. ONE GOES UNDER BED SILL AND THE OTHER UNDER BED FLOOR. I HAD TO GRIND SOME WELD AWAY AT THE TAIL PIPE MOUNT BRACKET TO ALLOW 5ER MOUNT BRACKET TO SET AGAINST THE FRAME. THESE BRACKETS ARE ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME. ONLY DRILL THRU ONE SIDE OF THE FRAME. MOUNT BOLTS MUST BE PULLED THRU A HOLE ON TOP OR BOTTOM OF FRAME AFT OF AXLE OR SPRING PERCH. TBOB

 

[dan.poitras]

I also reused the (reese) rails from my 96. Had to weld the front brackets (no close access holes) and bolted the rear ones (inside of frame)

 

[Spyke]

Thanks for the info folks, as always the knowledge here is worth the subscription

 

[Rich Hoefer]

I have actually crawled under the new 03 and measure the frame width. It measures 43 inch's outside to outside.

I am looking at the same thing you are, to see if my existing fifth wheel hitch will mount, Unfortunatly, mine won't.