Towing
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Towing
Anybody else here pull a 5th wheel? We just traded our travel trailer yesterday for a 31ft 5th wheel, now I just have to mount the hitch in the bed. Looks like a straight foward mounting job though. I just hate the idea of drilling holes in my truck bed. How many here have done this?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Thats a nice looking combo on your avatar!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,053
Likes: 1,608
Unless you have the install instructions and follow them to the letter, I don't recommend doing this yourself. I only say this because you are dealing with ALOT of weight that absolutely must stay put. If anything breaks and the camper comes away from the truck, you are liable for any damages caused. If a shop installs it for you (up here they charge $150 and it takes about 3 hours), then THEY are liable for any damage if your hitch comes out of the truck.
Oh, and to the guy who bolted it to his frame - I don't know of any fifth wheel hitch out there that simply bolts through the bed to the frame - every one I know of needs brackets to attach to existing holes in the frame, or is a completely under-bed mounted setup. And I'm in the business.
Oh, and to the guy who bolted it to his frame - I don't know of any fifth wheel hitch out there that simply bolts through the bed to the frame - every one I know of needs brackets to attach to existing holes in the frame, or is a completely under-bed mounted setup. And I'm in the business.
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Unless you have the install instructions and follow them to the letter, I don't recommend doing this yourself. I only say this because you are dealing with ALOT of weight that absolutely must stay put. If anything breaks and the camper comes away from the truck, you are liable for any damages caused. If a shop installs it for you (up here they charge $150 and it takes about 3 hours), then THEY are liable for any damage if your hitch comes out of the truck.
Oh, and to the guy who bolted it to his frame - I don't know of any fifth wheel hitch out there that simply bolts through the bed to the frame - every one I know of needs brackets to attach to existing holes in the frame, or is a completely under-bed mounted setup. And I'm in the business.
Oh, and to the guy who bolted it to his frame - I don't know of any fifth wheel hitch out there that simply bolts through the bed to the frame - every one I know of needs brackets to attach to existing holes in the frame, or is a completely under-bed mounted setup. And I'm in the business.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,370
Likes: 1,858
From: Frederick, MD
You can do it yourself but unless you have the instructions and where to place the holes and how far over the axle to go then I would not do it yourself.
My 5er comes in at 14K. That is alot to trust so use top notch bolts as suggested (grade 8), torque to specs on everything. Then paint it all to keep from rusting plus when doing a visual you can see that all is tight.
My 5er comes in at 14K. That is alot to trust so use top notch bolts as suggested (grade 8), torque to specs on everything. Then paint it all to keep from rusting plus when doing a visual you can see that all is tight.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 11
Maybe once upon a time. These days they just throw things together. In 05 I had nurf bars put on my 05 f150. They bars gave more to my like. After closer looking the front of the bars mount had a bolt that needed to be fished thru the body panel. They had 2 more trucks to do that morning and its very agravateing so they leave em out. After raising hell I got it done right. Heck me and the owner's. Son went to school together and I buy everthing from him and always had him install the stuff. I had a local shop install my gauges in my 04 SD. They butchered em. Zipped tied the power modules to the hinges of the hood and let em hang there. I had to complain to get the power modules mounted to the fire wall and seals put in under gauge faces to block light from shineing thru the gaps. So the only way to insure the job is done right is research the job and do it yourself. Jmho
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 24
From: Houston
I put my Pullrite Superglide in my truck and I absolutely KNOW it was done right. The instructions to install these are very simple. If you can use a measuring tape and turn a wrench you can do this. I also like to know how things are put together for my own benefit.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Many (most?) customers select the "professional" installer based on who offers to do it for the least amount of money.
How do you do it for less?
1) Work super fast (aka: Sloppy)
2) Use the cheapest labor possible (aka, clueless morons).
I would not hesitate to install it myself as I work for free and can take as much time as I need.
If you choose to let someone else do it, make sure you select by SKILL and QUALITY of work, not cost.
How do you do it for less?
1) Work super fast (aka: Sloppy)
2) Use the cheapest labor possible (aka, clueless morons).
I would not hesitate to install it myself as I work for free and can take as much time as I need.
If you choose to let someone else do it, make sure you select by SKILL and QUALITY of work, not cost.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Assuming you don't have an SUV bed that requires a sliding hitch, another solution is to use a gooseneck ball adapter on the fifth wheel. Gooseneck hitches have 95% of the hardware under the bed. The only thing in the bed itself is the ball, and there are quick release versions available.
I really like this solution as it is a 2 minute job to switch from RV tow mode to cargo hauling mode. Costs more, though.
I really like this solution as it is a 2 minute job to switch from RV tow mode to cargo hauling mode. Costs more, though.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 24
From: Houston
You can also get a slider for a gooseneck if that is what you would prefer. The Colibert Rail Rider looks pretty nice.
I like my Superglide in my SUV bed.