Got my fifth wheel installed

[DIESELMAN]

Casey -



Maybe I could swing by your place and pick something up. Make the trip a little longer, a little heavier

 

[wlowe]

I test drove a 2003 one ton crew cab a couple of weeks ago. Nice rig! The salesman said that the new hydroformed frame was not only stronger but was lighter because the strength of the hydroforming allowed them to reduce the structural size of the frame. Now, if this is true, (questionable!), I have to ask myself, why would they hydroform to strengthen the frame then downsize it to make it weaker? Anybody out there know if it is true that the frame is downsized?

 

[CAKUZ]

Originally posted by DIESELMAN

Casey -



Maybe I could swing by your place and pick something up. Make the trip a little longer, a little heavier

Hey DIESELMAN - You could drop down to Cave Creek, AZ and get my Hitchhiker at my daughter's place and bring it out this way too. It's only 18,300# GVWR. Give that new Cummins a good workout coming back up I-17 to Flagstaff



Wish my truck would get here so I can try out my new HD drill on that frame to install the Reese hitch. I think that is the route we will have to go unless someone comes up with something better real soon.



Good luck on your trip to AK. Send us some pictures.



KUZZ

 

[Casey Balvert]

Originally posted by wlowe

[B... ... ... ... The salesman said that the new hydroformed frame was not only stronger but was lighter because the strength of the hydroforming allowed them to reduce the structural size of the frame. Now, if this is true, (questionable!), I have to ask myself, why would they hydroform to strengthen the frame then downsize it to make it weaker? Anybody out there know if it is true that the frame is downsized? [/B]

I have tried to research hydroformed frames. There is not a lot out there about the do's and don'ts. I do know the body shops have fits because it take special welding techniques to repair hydroformed frames and only a few sections of the frame are repairable. The metal is thinner than the 97. I just hope I never damage the frame in an accident. I have the feeling a lot of trucks will be written off, but time will tell.



Cheers, Casey

 

[Casey Balvert]

Originally posted by DIESELMAN

Casey -



Maybe I could swing by your place and pick something up. Make the trip a little longer, a little heavier

No problem. I can probably find you a really good supply of Canadian beer. That stuff is pretty heavy.

 

[boonsur]

I was griefing my salesman about this topic last week (he keeps pushing me to get the new one ordered). He assured me that it wouldn't be a problem and noted that the last generation trucks had a similar disclaimer (DC does not "recommend"..... ).





Does anybody remember if this was the case (on the old trucks)?