pullrite 20.5k super hitch

[cpo223]

I just bought a 2003 3500 qc. lb,6spd,410,2wd,slt,I am going to probally buy the PullRite 20. 5 hitch & try to install it myself in my driveway. I would appreciate any word's of advise,or don't do's. I've studied the underbelly of my 3500 & it look's do'able. ? Thanks,Pat

 

[Fireman]

It should be a reasonably straight foreward installation. Do you plan on using the regular rails or the super rails? I installed the super rails on my 4wd, it was the first set released and I didn't even have any instructions, it was still easy. Your 2wd will be a little different because there isn't as much clearence, but I suspect it still wonuldn't be too difficult. I will say this, if you do it yourself and have trouble help is only a phone call away. Pullrite has THE BEST customer service in the busness.



Fireman



BTW I just talked to another member, Dean Upson, who has the same truck and hitch. He is half way to Townsend TN on his vacation pulling a 14K# 5er, and he LOVES his truck and his 20. 5K hitch.



Good luck!

 

[cpo223]

pullrite hitch

Hi Fireman,

Thanks for your reply which i take as a note of encouragement!I think I'm getting a quote on the regular rails,I'm attempting to save to some of my money,which i been spending wildly. I had gotten quotes from u-haul on a valley install,but all the frame warnings has me running scared,a local welder, hitch installer was also much cheaper,but would'nt explain his frame knowledge,so back to pullrite. They supposedly are having a hole allignment problem which they are re-designing some part's for. I'll probally find out 4/7/03 if pullrite has the hitch available,I'm just about ready to let the first installer do it who really has the stuff. anyway thanks, Pat

 

[Casey Balvert]

I have the 25. 5 Pullrite on mine. Slight overkill. Probably the trickiest part is fishing the bolts though the frame. Just be patient and hold your mouth right.



The quality is second to none and customer service is great. By the way, I don't think the super rails are available for the two wheel drive due to clearance problems.



In my opionion you just bought the best.



Casey

 

[mconstable]

Can't help with install questions, but this is an awesome hitch!! only thing to remember is to leave weight on it when hitching/unhitching... It isn't like Reese, took me forever to unhook the first time, felt like an idiot when I finally gave up and read the instructions... . even worse display of stupidity is seeing that the instructions are labeled right on the hitch after finding my manual after about 15 minutes of looking

 

[the2ofus]

I installed the 20. 5K SuperHitch several weeks ago. I had very little problem with the install. Measure carefully and drill 1/16" pilot holes to insure proper line up of the bed rails with the brackets underneath the bed of the truck. The entire operation took me about five hours but that was because I didn't have my wife's assistance all the time. Her continued presence would have helped things go considerably faster. The most trying operation by far was the fishing of the two 5/8" bolts up through the frame. I removed the rubber axle stops to provide a bit more clearance but still had problems getting past that point. I finally wrapped a thin copper wire around the base of the bolt so I could pull it to the rear and move it around a bit to get past tight points. An assistant is almost a necessity with the fishing operation.



The hitch has been in operation for about two weeks now hauling our fifth wheel and is doing an excellent job. This is a high quality hitch and is quite beefy. It weighs considerably more than the Reese 20K.

 

[CharlieMiller]

I have an 02 and just installed a Pullrite 20. 5k Super 5th and the super rails. All I can say it was an easy and straight forward job. I am glad I used the super rails evn though it cost more I can take the hitch and rails out in 5 minutes. It then leaves a smooth bed like there was neer a 5th hitch in there. Haven't used it yet hoping to pick up the fiver soon. I don't think you can go wrong with any pullrite 5th.

 

[cpo223]

20.5 Pullrite

My Pullrite hitch should be en-route,I'm looking forward to the installation. All of your great reviews assure me that I bought the right one,& Casey,your right ,you can't get the super rails with a 2wd 3500. Thanks Pat

 

[Casey Balvert]

Glad you went the Pullrite route. You will not regret it. Keep us posted on your installation.



Casey

 

[CROW]

Watch the alignment of the truck bed to the frame and cab. I installed a 24K Pull Rite automatic slider hitch and almost had a problem because the bed was out of alignment with the cab by 3/4 inch or so. Fortunately, I was able to use the holes I had drilled in the bed (using Pull Rite's template) to mount the hitch. When you drill the pilot holes, it is very difficult (well at least it was for me) to tell if they are located where they should be.

 

[cpo223]

hitch installed 20.5k pullrite

I received my pullrite hitch friday,read&re-read instructions. this morning(Mon),I installed it. It took me 5hrs doing it alone. I cleaned out the 5/8"hole on the frame&bracket,this allowed the bolt to go right in. I also drilled a hole in the bolt handle so I could attach a piece of electrical wire as a retrieval wire,this let me wiggle the bolt as I was snaking it,thanks for the hint!I used a white marker on the bracket sides & then put the brackets in place drilling a 1/16' hole next to the bracket at each bolt,this allowed to easily locate where to step drill the bed holes 2 1/8' inward. Anyway thanks again for your hints. Where is the best place to put the inside bed electrical plug? Pat

 

[Fireman]

Good Deal

Pat,



Glad to see you tackled the job and were sucessful. I knew you could do it. Most put their electrical plug on the left side of the bed near the tailgate (so it can be easily reached).



Happy trails,

Fireman

 

[Fireman]

Pat,

I just purchased a trailer wiring harness from Mopar, pn 82207253. It is the regular 7 pin harness, but I just saw one used inside the bed. First you connect the 4 pin connector to the existing 4 pin connector and half the wiring is done. Then all that is left to do is run the hot wire to the battery and splice onto the brake wire. All of the wiring is included, except for a jumper to connect the 4 pin sockets, and all of the wires come in split loom. I got mine for $63 from the Dodge dealer. I'll probably put it in this weekend. If you would like to know how it went drop me a line and I'll fill you in on all of the gorrie details.

Fireman

 

[cpo223]

Hitch/bed plug wiring

Thanks Fireman,

I was just looking in my spare RV junk box yesterday,I found a old 4 pin connector, & a 7 pin female box that could be used as you described. I saw the 4 pin male under the truck by the receiver, & taped it over to protect it. Your idea should work fine!I was going to splice into the tow pkg. wiring,but this will be easier. Thanks,Pat