Question for anyone that has installed or had a fifth wheel hitch installed. Not the gooseneck ball in the bed type. My dad is trying to install his reese hitch into his new 07 2500 ram. He has been reading and a couple of places said not to drill a hole in the box frame. But instead to weld tabs onto the frame. I was wondering what other people had done?? Thanks alot.

 

I had mine installed somewhere. I was too scared to drill holes in my bed. They used bolts and fished the nuts inside the tubular frame to put them on. They told me there was a special kit for dodges and they didn't have to drill them. BS?

 

Nahh, I don't tow anything.

 

never heard of anyone welding the brackets on.. i have the type of adapter BH spoke of where the bolts are fished through the inside of the frame.. because of this.. my king pin is 2" behind the axle.. there's also clamp on kits that i have heard are much easier to install..

 

Yeah some local shop here told him that they dont like to drill holes and wants 450$ to install the hitch by welding tabs. Another shop told him no problem to drill the holes and fish the bolts up for a little over 100$..

 

I've got the Reese 16K with slider. I do believe the tabs are bolted on, guess they had to drill to do it (trailer dealer installed it). I haven't had any issues towing our 5er.
I have read in different places to NOT drill the frame and other places that say do NOT weld on the frame...
I don't think I'd worry too much one way or the other. That's just my opinion[sm=confused06.gif]Others may feel strongly one way or the other.

 

If both places are going to warranty the installation, go with the cheaper one. Both are fine if done right.

 

I ran into the same thing when I had my fifth wheel hitch installed. I finally had the brackets welded to the frame and imediateley primed and painted the brackets, frame and welds. I chose this method over drilling and bolting hoping that the frame will not start to rust. Not sure wich method is the best though.

 

I installed a Superglide...kinda of a different animal. It required no drilling or welding of the frame.

 

Thanks for the replies guys, really appreciate it.