New truck question

[ACoyle]

Is there a way to use my Reese 15K fifth wheel hitch on my new 04? I know the frame is funny.



Thank You



AC

 

[GFrance]

I believe there is a kit out for mounting without drilling. If I remember right it has some u-bolt type mounting straps. Now if my crs would just let me remeber where I saw it.

If someone else doesn't reply maybe my memory will come back.



Here is an interesting thread I found, but still can't find that kit.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=89180&highlight=pullrite

 

[Jim Smith]

I've used mine from the previous trucks an '01 and '03. New brackets required for the '03 but they work on the '04. The brackets need to clear the overload springs.

 

[MMeilicke]

Check with Valley Industries which I belive makes the Reese hitch. They have a bracket system which I had installed on my 04. You have get another set of rails as I did. It works great. Also check with RV dealers. They should be aware of these brackets.

 

[DanDee]

I re-used my 16k, like the previous post, had to buy a special kit (two rear brackets) because of the overloads... . also bought a new rail kit because I wanted to leave the old rails in my other truck. (But I think you might have to get a rail kit or an update kit anyway, because of the boxed bed rails... )



About $70 and $100 respectively. I guess there is a no-drill (frame) kit from Reese... but for the 2500's only.



Went pretty smoothly... I'm just slow. The special size carbide drill bit for the frame was a bit of a pain to find... I still had mine from the last install, but don't expect to find it at HomeDepot or the such, just go straight to a professional tool store.

This time I had to buy a 1" hole saw because of the "boxed rails" under one part of the bed. (You use a tubing spacer to prevent crushing)

(That went pretty smooth, but next time I would use the tip I read here about using a piece of wood to prevent walking!)



Also I ended up making the bolt snake a little longer so I could use different holes in the frame... make sure you secure the extension so you don't lose it and the bolt inside the frame!



DanDee