Putnam XDR Class V hitch

[RAMINSPEED]

Has anyone put a Putnam XDR Class V hitch on their 2003 or newer trucks? If so, does it replace the existing hitch or go underneath like the reese titan? Does it work well and are there any issues I should know about?

 

[Redbear]

When I purchased my 05' I asked about putting the Reese class IV on instead of the stock hitch. The salesman told me that he was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to because with the new body style also came a new frame. He thought the hitch was welded to the frame, and it would void the warranty if I drilled into it at all to install a new one. So we went down to the parts dept. to see what was offered for 03' and up. The parts mgr called a local hitch dealer and told me a class IV could be put on but it gets mounted under the stock hitch. I crawled under the truck a little later and sure enough, that sucker is welded. According to the parts guy, Reese does make a class IV that can be installed under the stock hitch, and does not require any drilling. I'm not sure about about the Putnam though.

 

[TCandee]

I put the xrd on an '05. It will not work with the stock hitch. My truck did not come with the tow package. My truck has the same round tube connected to the bumper as the stock hitch, but no receiver. I haven't looked closely at the stock receiver to see if it is bolted on or welded. If it can be removed it may work. check with putnam.

 

[TPappas]

I am going through this exact scenario as we type this. I did not want the reese hitch hanging down super low. I got a hold of hitch web dot com and they are going to cut off my stock receiver, leaving the crossmember in place, then bolt on the Putnam XDR Class V on the truck. They have told me it does not hang down any lower than the stock hitch does.



I am waiting for them to get the hitch in stock then they are going to install it for me. Should be any day now.



Tcandee, what does the Putnam look like on the truck? How does it look compared to stock? Do you only see the receiver portion hanging below the bumper like the stock one?

 

[evldsl]

I just recived my putnam xdr hitch and I have to cut what?!.

 

[Josbrun03]

I just got out from under my truck. (2004 QC CTD 3500 DRW) I also need to get rid of the stock hitch and install a class 5 hitch. Wouldn't be best just to cut the entire tube out, with the receiver? Removing the hitch would involve lifting up the bed, so I would simply cutt the tube right at the frame, leaving the rest of it on the frame, with the bumper brackets. than, I will have the new hitch custom build in a welding shop, and welded on to the frame. Any feedback?

Thanks. Joe.