Remove factory hitch ?

[JEgan]

I just installed a PullRite hitch on my Ram and the whole thing weighs at least 150lbs. I am thinking about removing the stock hitch that came with my truck in order to save pin weight. Is this a good/bad idea? Has anyone else done this?

 

[InThinAir]

Removing the factory hitch is a big job. It is integrated into the bumper and placed between the frame rails and the bed. So it is probably more work than it is worth in weight savings. The 2nd gens were easy, but now any aftermarket bumper hitch gets installed IN ADDITION to the factory, since it is such a PITA to remove.



But it can be done, the bed need to be unbolted and lifted to do it tho!!!



---Doug

 

[mconstable]

Thanks for telling the weight on your hitch... I've taken mine out a few times by myself, and it puts me in my place!! thought it was just my age catching up!!!

 

[Prairie Dog]

The hitch on third gens is also a cross member and considered to be an integral part of the frame. If you want to remove it you may be able to trade with someone who did not get a hitch, they will have the crossmember you'll need.

 

[Spyke]

Some more info the rear hitch has two pins that drop into the top of the frame so the rear of the bed need to be raise about 1-1/4" to lift it out.

 

[JEgan]

Thanks for the advice. Looks like this is more of a job than I had thought. I think I will just leave well enough alone. I was just trying to shed a little weight. I'm concerned after reading so much about hauling too heavy. I'm in the market for a 28-29ft 5th wheel and I don't want to get in over my head. Thanks for the good info.

 

[Bertram65]

For that size 5th wheel you should not have any problem, your truck weighs around, 7200 lbs, so you have 2700 lbs capacity before you are over the 9900 lbs truck rating. I would think most 5th wheels that size would have 1000 lbs to 1500 lbs of pin weight.