front hitch

[SFarrell]

Has anyone installed a class III reciever on the front of their truck. I have an 04. 5 3500 4x4 with the towing package (Front tow hooks). I was told that I have to remove the tow hooks to install the hitch. Is this true?

 

[Jaylor]

I installed a hitch on the front of my 2004. 5. I did not have to remove the tow hooks. Hitch mounts to frame behind bumper. It does not interfere with hooks at all.

 

[geusterman]

Jaylor... did you make the hitch or buy it. Where from? George

 

[MCrossley]

be careful guys there are a couple of companies advertising that they have a drawtite front hitch availble problem is when you read the directions you have to drill the bottom of the frame which is a total no-no; I called draw-tite and they said they do NOT make one yet for the HD Rams... . I would be interested which manufacturer you chose for yours so I can order one for my 05 that is coming soon.

 

[CWheeler]

I also put a front hitch on my truck. The hitch came from etrailers.com. Did not have to remove tow hooks and yes you have to drill a hole in the frame.

 

[y-knot]

Drilling a hole in the bottom of the front frame rail will not hurt a thing. Yes they do warn the public about drilling in their new hydro-formed frame rails, there are many areas that will cause trouble if not done properly. The front lower section of the frame rail is not one of them, the small bolt needed for the hitch is fine. The drilling in even high load areas is exceptable if done right, mostly you just have to use a inner frame rail bushing. This keeps the frame rails from de-forming or pulling in together when the bolts are tightened.

 

[Jaylor]

I bought my hitch online, I don't remeber where. It is a "hiddenHitch" brand see photo... ..... I mounted it without removing tow hooks, yes you do have to drill two holes..... Cost about 125. 00

 

[MCrossley]

Y-knot I am not sure if you read the bulletin about holes in the frame but I can tell you that with this statement below that if you were in an accident or had frame failure nobody is going to help you out especially insurance...



Holes are not to be drilled in the top or bottom of the frame rails. Holes

to mount outriggers, brackets, and supports must be drilled in the web (vertical

sides) of the frame rail with the following restrictions:

1. Hole diameter should not exceed 20mm (0. 75 in. ).

2. Material between edge of hole and top or bottom of frame rail must

not be less than 40mm (1. 60 in. ).

3. The minimum edge distance between any two (2) holes must be larger

than twice the diameter of the larger hole.

13-001-03 -2-

4. Any through frame fasteners that torque down on both external surfaces of the frame

rail must use an internal spacer/reinforcement to prevent crushing the rail tube.

5. All holes should be drilled in the frame using appropriate safety precautions.

6. Avoid drilling holes near the fuel tank, fuel and brake lines and other

lines and wires to avoid damage to them.