Let's Get Hitched

One of the final modifications to the truck is the installation of the hitch.  So, what is a hitch?  Well, it is the thingy that you connect the 5th Wheel to.  In other words, Herk and Voyager will get hitched!  LOL.  Ok, not really funny, but I did incorporate some pictures.  I was fearful of this modification 'cause if done wrong, you put your life in your own hands; however, after some research and hearing of others doing it, I went for it.  Well, that and the dang labor costs every time you turn around.  Turns out not to be a tough install.  All could have been done in 3/4 of a day for me moving slowly, but I had to take bed liner out, drill it, and reinstall.

This is the bracket bolted to the frame.  Herk had almost all holes already in the frame, but they were'nt quite 1/2", so I had to bore them out.  Hint:  Get a good bit and use oil.  One hole in the front had to be drilled a new on both sides.  Otherwise, getting to the nuts and bolts to tighten was only a chore around the spare tire near the muffler on the passenger side.  The big bolt in the middle also secures the air bags so I had to remove and reinstall through the air bag and hitch brackets both.

Notice the 4 bolts sticking through the bed liner?  If you look at the pics above, you can see where they slide into the frame bracket.  With 1/4" turn, they lock into place.  With this type of mount, you can remove all 4 bolts and the truck will have a normal bed for everyday use.  The 2nd pic below the posts shows the rails installed.  The hitch sits on these rails and are secures with removable pins.

Hitch completely installed and ready for pulling!  Oh, and lifting this sucker was a bear!  It weighs close to 200lbs.

This particular hitch is made for short-bed trucks such as the one I have and chose on purpose.  Click on the link *** HERE *** to see it in action.