Front hitch on 03 3500 4x4 advice on bump stops

[Tim1]

Since no 5 er toyhauler, I need to be able to get my 30 ft travel trailer out of my pole barn easier. 8 inches to spare is not much. It is a 94 coachmen 298fk and the tongue is heavy. I know the hitches are rated 500lbs and was wondering if with some bump stops temp installed, it would be too heavy for my front axle and steering? I have to go 60 feet back on flat ground with no turns. Thanks fellas, Tim

 

[Bob4x4]

Most of us who off road will put more load on the front end from the terrain than your trailer will. The hitch must be strong enough,thats about it

 

[jelag]

I have 2 receivers on the front of my truck that attach to the frame... I've had 800 lbs or so on this bumper/hitch pushing and pulling stuff around... I've had no problems. .

 

[ScottLewis]

A 500# rating for towing down the highway at 60MPH for hundreds of miles is a lot different from moving a RV 60' back into a storage facility. Even if the tongue put the springs down to the stops you shouldn't have a problem with a decent hitch, properly attached. I wouldn't hesitate a minute.

 

[NIsaacs]

The hitch must be strong enough,thats about it

I agree. Snow plows and sled pulling weights come to mind.



Nick

 

[BDaugherty]

i installed the warn front hitch on my 03 and i feel very confident about the strength after seeing how it ties in everywhere. i wouldn't have any concern about putting 800lbs on the front of the truck as you described. if it settles the springs too much, you might consider air shocks or those urethane spacers that go between the coils of the front springs. i don't think I would lock the suspension out completely. but honestly, try it first and see if you really need anything. i bet the only issue might be steering with the additional weight on the front tires.

 

[Tim1]

Thanks guys I will try it. Tim

 

[Tim1]

I am looking at the drawtite 65046. Have to drill 4 holes, but should not be too bad. I saw a ***t that said if you remove the bumper, you can access the inside of the tube by prying up the cap on the end of the tube, so as not to have to drill a big hole to fish the bolts in. We will see. Tim