Bubba gets a hitch.

[Dave e Victoria]

I bought an 18k signature series hitch by Reese. I got it over the Internet and decided to install it myself. This part took about 11 manhours. The instructions are very good.

Under bed rails The under bed rails required about 3.5 hours of my son and I working together.

The first step calls for removing a heat shield and cutting part of it away. We had a pneumatic metal snips that allowed us to cut away the offending piece in place.

Rail alignment in this particular truck is a no brainer as there is a cross-member under the bed that perfectly positions the rails.

The kit calls for an alignment tool to find the right spot in the bed to cut holes. They wanted twelve bucks for it but, we were able to make a better one from a piece of all-thread.

The instructions call for lifting the truck up to get better access. This was unnecessary but we did lift the bed off the frame by my son laying on his back and pushing the bed up with his feet. Easier and faster than some mechanical approach.

The install calls for using a micky mouse coiled wire to pull a bolt through the box section part of the truck frame. Didn't work. Luckily my son has smaller hands and was able to get the bolts in.

I still have to torque the mounting bolts. The spec is 170 ft-pds Need to find an adequate wrench.

The other issue is the anti corrosion stuff on the truck frame. Cost me a shirt by the time we were done.

Above Bed Parts The actual Hitch comes dissassembled in two boxes. The first hint this one might be a challange is the list of required tools. It lists a 1.5 inch box end wrench. Fortunately I had one. This is used to install Sleeves in the mounting feet. They are held in place by nylatch style nuts. Access is very limited so the wrench can only move about 1/4 turn before repositioning. It took me about 2 hours of frustration to get these things in.

Again there is a need to torque bolts to 170 ft-pds.

The rest of the assembly was straight forward. All in all, This part took about 4 hours for me alone.

All I have left to do is torque the bolts and install the brake controller. Hopefully Checker or Auto Zone has a big torque wrench for rent.

Shoud be ready for Bubba's first tow by tomarrow afternoon. Headed for the scales!
Dave

[Montana Sky]

Dave,
Sounds like things are finally moving forward now that your new truck is here. I am really looking forward to your report on how the new LBZ Duramax and the dually handles your Cambridge.

[ken]

Dave
Follow the instructions and come in low and let the 5th wheel slide up into the slot. I didn't do that and bent the receiver that opens the gate for the safety pin. Took it to the Reese dealer and with a crow bar he bent it back. I guess if I had read all of the signs, Duh.. We also put on the 18K signature hitch. You will find that you have no back/forth motion as you did if you had the older Reese.

[Dave e Victoria]

Montana Sky:
We are scheduled to go to Mexico for three days starting the 19th. Will report after that trip. For the moment, I do notice Bubba as being a bit stiffer ride when unloaded and i don't think i will ever find an easy parking space unless it is in an open field.
Ken,
Thanks for the tip. I read your comment once before and have taken it to heart. I have not read the operator's manual yet. My previous hitch didn't have one. Hopefully, I will be ready for a real hookup by this weekend.
Dave

[Illini Trekker]

Looks like things are coming together for you Dave. I like mine, it will come out has easy as it went in, mine on the garage floor waiting for the next trip.

Hope you bought the Teflon plate to go on the hitch! See-Ya