Gen 3 frame issues for custom GN hitch

[geusterman]

Hi boys... my flatbed is 5" above the frame rails (stock bed 2. 75) and I have to mount my B and W turnover ball hitch. The bed is aluminum (with tool boxes and aux tank) so I have to build down to the frame. Anybody take on hole drilling or clamping on their own with that tube frame? Heard of any rules for such? George

 

[SRadke]

Generally the ball is mounted below a door of some kind in the bed. Is this an option? To mount the B&W as they intend and just open a door to access it?



-Scott

 

[geusterman]

As intended... just turnover. Normally it is built into the steel flatbed but I changed my mind when I did weight calcs and switched to aluminum... which now takes me to the frame. No big deal but wondered how creative I have to get with the new tube frame. George

 

[SRadke]

Yea but the normal bed hitch is clamped to the frame but would be lower than 5". All you need is a door to access it right? Or are the bed mounts in the way?



-Scott

 

[geusterman]

B & W have a flatbed kit for their turnover ball... . no door. Basically building a mount that spans the frame (about 42")and holds the ball socket at 5" above the frame. My concerns are mounting the setup to the tube frame. George

 

[Kimber]

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/13-001-03.htm I think this is what you want

 

[geusterman]

Thanks a lot Kimber. That will just do fine! George PS. . Kimber makes some fine shooting pieces. Any connection? G

 

[Kimber]

Originally posted by geusterman

Kimber makes some fine shooting pieces. Any connection? G

Home and Auto Security System

 

[Diesel Nut]

to my knowledge, drilling holes is not allowed. My flatbed had to be modified to mount to the factory bed mounts. But, you can build a frame frome steel that crosses over the tope of the frame and get some ubolts and blot it up that way. Good luck.

 

[geusterman]

Thanks guys. Based on the TSB which tells you how to drill the holes they don't recommend , we are bridging the frame with heavy angle iron welded to a 10" U channel that holds the turnover ball thingie. The angle iron is laying on the frame welded to plates on the outside of the frame that are bolted above and below the frame with half inch spacers and pipe guides for the bolts. So we are clamped tight but not collapsing the frame. One drilled hole in the mount for the axle bumper under the frame for insurance against sliding. I am happy. George

 

[Cryppie]

With my Reese Signature 18K, the underbed mount bolts to the frame using shouldered bolts inserted from the inside out. You have to use a fish wire threaded to the bolt, then pull through the hole and the shoulder gets pulled into the hole as you torque it down. It's somewhat tricky to get the bolt through, but seems to work quite well, I've pulled my 15K fifth wheel several hundred miles in varied terrain with no issues. Good luck!