no-drill bolt-on hitch brackets?

[alexanderJ]

I've done a search and found many having good success with both the drill and no-drill (custom bolt on) 5th wheel hitch installation brackets.



Since time is not a big issue with me, I'm wondering if spending the additional $175 for the no drill kit is worth it.



Granted, the instructions for the no-drill kit seem much easier to understand, and the whole installation seems more "forgiving" meaning it might be worth a little more money for the first time installer (me).



Has anyone had any trouble with the bolt-on brackets moving after installation? Do you have to re-torque the bolts frequently.



Any info will help me make a decision.

 

[MLee]

Maybe a little more info on the type of hitch you are referring to. Gooseneck, under bed adapter, Flat floor when removed. Mine which is a Colibert/free ride, could be referred to as a no-drill, it clamps to the frame, but is self aligning with the factory holes in the frame. But my frame is a "C" channel. The only holes I needed to drill was the ones in the bed floor for the hitch to mount. Yours is a boxed and Hydroforumed so you use the factory holes also and follow the instructions etc. You should always re-check the bolts. They will come loose and then you'll wonder why the load is not towing properly. Ounce of prevention is a pound of cure.

 

[LRutigliano]

I've done a search and found many having good success with both the drill and no-drill (custom bolt on) 5th wheel hitch installation brackets.



Since time is not a big issue with me, I'm wondering if spending the additional $175 for the no drill kit is worth it.



Granted, the instructions for the no-drill kit seem much easier to understand, and the whole installation seems more "forgiving" meaning it might be worth a little more money for the first time installer (me).



Has anyone had any trouble with the bolt-on brackets moving after installation? Do you have to re-torque the bolts frequently.



Any info will help me make a decision.

I have a Pull Rite hitch with no drill brackets mounted to the frame rails, but I did have to drill ito my bed. Its a sanitary installation and looks/performs great. I also have Torklift frame mounted camper tie downs and they also look and perform great (no drilling into rail).



However, I'm super anal when it comes to the truck and I even go the extra step and paint the brackets just so they are the perfect color (semi-flat black) and have some extra corrosion protection...



I've seen the generic (one bracket fits all) 5er rail brackets on our trucks and they are typically welded onto the boxed frame. Depending on who does the welding, they can look great or look terrible.



Drilling into our rails is no easy job and would easily eat up $175 worth of sweat equity...



Also, if you go look at a "no-drill" bracket inst and compare it to the generic inst, you will see where the extra $175 is going and its not profit. Its material and labor cost to design and manufacture something that is stout and works with the existing holes in the rails.



Both installations require alot of patience for the DIY'er, but the "no-drill" custom brackets are true bolt up installs, the "patience" comes from the holes you have to drill into the bed with either inst... I have quick release bed rails and the instructions for drilling into the bed were not very accurate (or I measured wrong) and luckily I drilled many 1/16" dia pilot holes to make sure the large 1-3/4" holes would be centered...



My truck is my only real possession/toy that I "own" and that my family lets me have as my "own". I personally would not drill into the frame or let someone weld onto my frame to save $175 on a $44k truck (new in 2003) that is priceless to me...



Hope this helps.

Louis

 

[RVTRKN]

Reese makes a great bracket system if you don't have overload springs or the Mega cab, They are on my 2500 and are 1/4" steel plates clamped on the frame and they actually add strength to your frame. The drill or weld, will void the frame warranty and it took me months to find these with every one telling me to drill or weld. The Dodge dealer wanted me to have a certified welder do it and my trailer supplier wanted to drill and I refused them both. Its amazing what patience will do. Here is the link



http://www.reeseprod.com/fitguides/details.asp?ProdID=50040&dlr=0

 

[RVTRKN]

BTW, I would not purchase them, I know ???????? The best system is the B&W Companion hitch. there are no rails in your bed, and you can use the system as a Gooseneck hitch. I have that system in my 3500 C&C, here is the link



B&W Custom Truck Beds, Inc. and click on the companion hitch.

 

[alexanderJ]

Reese makes a great bracket system if you don't have overload springs or the Mega cab, They are on my 2500 and are 1/4" steel plates clamped on the frame and they actually add strength to your frame. The drill or weld, will void the frame warranty and it took me months to find these with every one telling me to drill or weld. The Dodge dealer wanted me to have a certified welder do it and my trailer supplier wanted to drill and I refused them both. Its amazing what patience will do. Here is the link



http://www.reeseprod.com/fitguides/details.asp?ProdID=50040&dlr=0

Thanks for the comments. The link above is the brackets I was referring to. I've got plenty of time and drill bits but I agree that the bolt on really grabs your attention for an easy install.



Just about every Dodge truck I see is using the standard generic drill type mounts. It's my understanding Dodge issued a TSB allowing drilling holes in the frame.



I can see advantages to the drill, insuring it's not going to move backward/forward, but I'd really never thought of the bolt-on strengthening the frame. Something to think about!



I'd definitely go with the B&W but I want a slider for my short bed.

 

[Grizzly]

I installed the same PullRite Super Rail with the Super Bracket Mounting Kit, with 4 pins, as Louis did in Post 3 above. I purchased mine from Big Discount RV, 1-800-787-8295, as they have the best prices. Web site is bigdiscountrv.com. It's a lot of work and requires much patience. No welding and no drilling. My biggest problem was fishing the bolt sets through the box frame, especially the right side due to the muffler pin bracket through the frame.



If you decide to use this system, which is the best one out there IMO, I can give you a few good helpful hints that the installation instruction don't tell you.



Having pulled my new Arctic Fox 5er all over the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada's, I will say it's a great hitch.

 

[Bob V]

I had the Reese no drill on my 2005, had no problems with them (still have them for sale). I went with the B&W kit, its nice but no slider, and it takes longer to R&R the 5th wheel. The Reese I could remove/install in a about a minute with no tools. The B&W takes a lot longer-5 bolts/nuts to loosen/tighten/torque.

 

[TMRoper1669]

I Say the B&W Compmanion hitch it's I think one of the best on the market, I was an RV Tech for years and I have really been happy with my B&W ,plus it's got the strongest and thickest locking jaws on the market.

 

[Bob4x4]

The Dodge body builders web sit has some good info.



Home | Dodge Body Builder's Guide

 

[JCasper]

The Dodge body builders web sit has some good info.



Home | Dodge Body Builder's Guide

Thanks for all the info



I just found out that our new C&C 5500 doesn't come with a spare. WTF

 

[Scottyg1]

Thanks for the comments. The link above is the brackets I was referring to. I've got plenty of time and drill bits but I agree that the bolt on really grabs your attention for an easy install.



Just about every Dodge truck I see is using the standard generic drill type mounts. It's my understanding Dodge issued a TSB allowing drilling holes in the frame.



I can see advantages to the drill, insuring it's not going to move backward/forward, but I'd really never thought of the bolt-on strengthening the frame. Something to think about!



I'd definitely go with the B&W but I want a slider for my short bed.

I have them on my 07 2500, work great, have checked the torque, but never found any loose bolts nor has the brackets moved. I've been towing with them since May 07, Highly recommend if you're going to use Reese.

 

[RVTRKN]

Thanks for all the info



I just found out that our new C&C 5500 doesn't come with a spare. WTF

Ya, I know what you mean. I had to order mine, just glad I was asked that question when ordering. That means yours also did not include a jack.

 

[JCasper]

Ya, I know what you mean. I had to order mine, just glad I was asked that question when ordering. That means yours also did not include a jack.

That's stupid, no jack either?



I have an email into the sales guy but I think today may be his day off.

 

[RVTRKN]

That's stupid, no jack either?



I have an email into the sales guy but I think today may be his day off.

I take it then you ordered your truck. I sure would like to be a fly on the wall when you question why he didn't mention the "spare" option. I was missing the "Fold Flat System" in the back seat when my truck arrived and had to call Dodge because of the disclaimer, Dodge can remove options without notice. The Fold Flat System through Dodge was $1200. 00 and I found it on E-Bay for $160. 00, it was supposed to be included with the Premium 40/20/40 seat system when Dodge decided to eliminate it. I was told if I didn't order the spare, the Jack would not be included.

 

[JCasper]

I take it then you ordered your truck. I sure would like to be a fly on the wall when you question why he didn't mention the "spare" option. I was missing the "Fold Flat System" in the back seat when my truck arrived and had to call Dodge because of the disclaimer, Dodge can remove options without notice. The Fold Flat System through Dodge was $1200. 00 and I found it on E-Bay for $160. 00, it was supposed to be included with the Premium 40/20/40 seat system when Dodge decided to eliminate it. I was told if I didn't order the spare, the Jack would not be included.

No we didn't order it, but they did have to do a locate on it.



It does not have a spare and with the fuel tank being in the very rear I'm not sure where you'd put it anyways.



I think if anything we will grab one from Les Schwab and buy a bottle jack from Harbor freight and throw it in the toolbox.

 

[RVTRKN]

There is no place for it on the truck. Your bed must have a location for it, or you set it aside like I do, and I take it with me when I'm on long trips or rotating tires. Its not the best of Dodges ideas, but I'll take a 50 Gal fuel tank any day.

 

[JCasper]

There is no place for it on the truck. Your bed must have a location for it, or you set it aside like I do, and I take it with me when I'm on long trips or rotating tires. Its not the best of Dodges ideas, but I'll take a 50 Gal fuel tank any day.

Yup, not a great idea by dodge



This truck is for my Father-in-laws company, it is replacing a 99 F550. I have not told him about not having a spare, Do you know if his 99 Ford has one. It's a cab and chassis also and I would venture to say it doesn't have on either.



The 50 gallon tank will be nice though

 

[Grizzly]

Ya, I know what you mean. I had to order mine, just glad I was asked that question when ordering. That means yours also did not include a jack.

I don't know why you would want a factory jack anyway. As far as I'm concerned they're totally worthless. I carry a 6 ton bottle jack in my tool box.

 

[RVTRKN]

Well 48K out the door, I wanted a jack. But I never had to use one on my 04, as well as my 07 (knock on wood), but it is nice to have it stowed away if a "just in case" situation calls for a jack. I'm not a 35 year member of AAA for nothing. :-laf