Hitch Install

[LRutigliano]

Pull Rite makes a "no drill" installation for our trucks. This is what I have and I did it myself. I would not trust anyone to weld onto my frame. Also, if you go a campground or a parking lot and look at the hitches that are welded, you will see a pattern of simple "home made" flat brackets welded to the frame. Not very robust in my opinion.



Google "no drill" 5er hitches and you will get alot of options and info.

 

[HookMeUp]

How do you like the B&W hitch?

I wrote up how I liked here.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/228103-b-w-companion-5th-wheel-hitch.html

 

[RVTRKN]

The fact that the frame is shaped in a "C" shape does not preclude being shaped by water under pressure.



The frame of all Dodge Rams is hydroformed and has been since the Gen IIIs were introduced in summer of 2002. Even yours. Believe it or not, your choice.

Go to The Official Site of Ram Trucks and click C&C, then look at "Frame strength" note the last paragraph. "And the front frame section is hydroformed for stiffness"

 

[RVTRKN]

I wrote up how I liked here.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/228103-b-w-companion-5th-wheel-hitch.html

Thanks, I have been following that thread. Have you pulled with it yet, and any comments?

 

[HBarlow]

Go to The Official Site of Ram Trucks and click C&C, then look at "Frame strength" note the last paragraph. "And the front frame section is hydroformed for stiffness"

I located the line you quoted and studied the interactive frame page trying to understand what they mean by the comment.

It is clear that the entire frame is constructed with one piece side rails from front to rear so it was all manufactured in one piece, not front and rear sections separate but welded or bolted together.

Apparently what Dodge means is the frame rails are "stamped" or formed by a hydraulic press from heavy steel to form the C channel shape and then the front section is hydroformed in order to create the compound curve shapes to fit the front suspension assembly under it.

So technically I believe you are correct, only the front section of the frame has been hydroformed, the rear section is simply formed in a hydraulic press.

So now I wonder why Dodge has always made a big deal out of telling us the frame is hydroformed. I don't understand why the word "hydroformed" has any bearing on whether it can be drilled or welded. Maybe an engineer can enlighten me.

 

[RVTRKN]

I will look at my frame today, but from what I can remember they welded the two together.

 

[RVTRKN]

Yes, the two are welded together, I remembered because, I looked at that before purchasing the C&C.

 

[HookMeUp]

Thanks, I have been following that thread. Have you pulled with it yet, and any comments?

Not yet. Going this weekend to pickup the new 5th wheel. I can let you when I get back.

 

[HBarlow]

Yes, the two are welded together, I remembered because, I looked at that before purchasing the C&C.

It is interesting to learn that your frame was welded together in two sections even though Ram issues written guidance advising owners and aftermarket upfitters the side frame rails should not be welded and if they do weld it or drill it they accept full responsibility for the results.

It's also odd that your truck seems to be the only one that was welded. Is it a pre-production model?

Would love to see a photo of that weld. Could you post photos here?

 

[RVTRKN]

It is interesting to learn that your frame was welded together in two sections even though Ram issues written guidance advising owners and aftermarket upfitters the side frame rails should not be welded and if they do weld it or drill it they accept full responsibility for the results.



It's also odd that your truck seems to be the only one that was welded. Is it a pre-production model?



Would love to see a photo of that weld. Could you post photos here?

In the form of a C weld both sides

 

[HBarlow]

Where is that weld located?

 

[RVTRKN]

If you look at the crossmember for the transmission, (mine for the G56) it is located there, also on the inside there is a plate or large tab welded that it tappers (fills) the hydroformed frame to flush it to the C channel. Yours has it as well, look insde the frame where the C channel starts. The horse shoe welds are the outer side of the frame. look at pic.