Removing OE Class 5 hitch and bumper?

[photowrite]

I've done a search both here and on other forums, think I know the answer, but would like to be really sure before ordering a bumper.

My truck is a 2014 2500, G56 6-speed, with the factory class 5 hitch receiver. I love the stout stock hitch, but because I would like both a bit more clearance for the 35" spare I have stuffed under the truck, and a heavy-duty bumper, I will likely replace both the stock bumper and hitch with an aftermarket towing bumper (15K rated Reunel).

Q. Does the factory class 5 hitch just unbolt?

I've been under the truck many times looking and studying... It appears there are two C-shaped plates that sandwich the frame and secure the rear hitch. It looks like the main, central hitch tube is welded to the inner C-section...which makes it look like the hitch is welded-on, not bolted. But I think the hitch is just welded to the inner C-mount? Looks like there are captive nuts on the inside of the frame, with bolts running from the outside, in, to hold the hitch C-plates together.

Has anyone removed the OE hitch/bumper on one of the latest model trucks? Do they just unbolt as one would hope?

I was going to remove the hitch receiver this past weekend just to confirm before ordering the bumper, but when I saw that the stock bumper attaches to some of the hitch mounts, I realized I didn't want to remove the hitch/bumper until I was ready to replace both.

Thanks for input.

 

[gsbrockman]

It does bolt-in. I have a few pics of one from a '13 RAM 3500 that I saved due to an accident; I'll try to post them Thursday.

 

[ndennis]

I am a true believer in Reunel and I highly recommend that anyone that has a non cab and chassis model have a Reunel bumper or equivalent as it will save your truck from serious damage when the moron behind you does not stop. Ask me how I know.

 

[Hoefler]

The bed will have to be taken loose and raised to remove the OE receiver.

 

[photowrite]

The bed will have to be taken loose and raised to remove the OE receiver.

That is exactly the kind of detail and information I needed to hear.

Raised just a couple inches?

Thanks for all replies.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Photowrite - The bed only needs to be raised slightly to unhook the tangs that are inserted in the top of the frame rail.

Good choice on the Reunel. I was a fabricator for them way back in the days when the shop was still in Yuba City, Ca.

 

[photowrite]

Photowrite - The bed only needs to be raised slightly to unhook the tangs that are inserted in the top of the frame rail.

Good choice on the Reunel. I was a fabricator for them way back in the days when the shop was still in Yuba City, Ca.

Again, exaclty the detail I was looking for... It's so helpful to have a clue about what's involved before digging in, surely I will need to remove the slide-in camper from the bed, which was a good idea anyway.

This will be the fourth truck I've run Reunel bumpers on, but the last set I purchased was nearly 18 years ago! Buckstop Truckware purchased Reunel, and the rear Reunel bumper is essentially the same extremely beefy bumper it's always been (and the "Nelson" before that...).

The front of my '14 will get a Buckstop front bumper and grille guard. I'm still trying to decide if I want the main blade to be aluminum instead of steel (probably), the weight savings on the nose is attractive.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

It is probably a similar procedure to what is needed on a Third Gen. Check Issue 47 where I installed a Reunel bumper and winch. On my 2013, I left the hitch alone and installed a Fusion rear bumper.

 

[photowrite]

It is probably a similar procedure to what is needed on a Third Gen. Check Issue 47 where I installed a Reunel bumper and winch. On my 2013, I left the hitch alone and installed a Fusion rear bumper.

Thanks, I will have a look, but removing the OE hitch is a critical, necessary part of my modifications.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Can't beat the Reunel bumpers. Heaviest duty bumper on the market, even after all these years. I put them on almost all of my trucks when I still got the discount.

Their hitch design it what I like best. Whenever I build a bumper for someone, I more or less copy their hitch design and fab up the rest to my likings.

 

[photowrite]

Their hitch design it what I like best. Whenever I build a bumper for someone, I more or less copy their hitch design and fab up the rest to my likings.

Do you mean the old style bolt-on plate hitch on the bottom of the bumper, not the welded-in receiver? My '96 F-350 had the bolt-on, it worked fine for many years. I want the bolt-on again because it will allow me to run a rear winch in the future if/when I want.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Both actually. I should have said the rear center section.