Question for Ram HD Owners

[21Airstream]

I’ve searched several forums but can’t find the answer (which might in itself BE the answer)...

Back in early 2012 we bought a new ‘12 Ram 3500 Big Horn CCSB SRW CTD 4x4 pickup. Since there were (evidently) cases of the welds breaking on the hitch receivers of other ‘12’s, I had the factory receiver removed and a Reese Titan Class V receiver installed. Even though our ‘14 FC 27FB isn’t that heavy, I will always opt for more safety when given the opportunity.

Last month, we traded up to a leftover ‘18 Ram 3500 SLT CCSB SRW CTD HO 4x4 pickup with the Aisin transmission.

Is there any reason to replace the factory hitch receiver?

[Countryboy59]

Depends. Are you in a road salt area? I haven’t heard of receivers breaking but they do rust badly underneath if not protected with NHOil or Fluid Film religiously from day one (I’ve done this on my ‘12 even though it will never see use in winter or even on a dirt road).

Did your ‘12 show signs of failure or did you hear something?

[21Airstream]

They do use road salt, but sparingly. They use de-icer which is corrosive too, but I don’t do much driving in the Winter anyway now that I’m retired.

I replaced the receiver on the ‘12 as a precautionary measure when the truck was new. While I don’t tow a heavy trailer I figured it was better to be safe than sorry.

I’m thinking the absence of complaints or NHTSA recalls probably answers my question.

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by 21Airstream

They do use road salt, but sparingly. They use de-icer which is corrosive too, but I don’t do much driving in the Winter anyway now that I’m retired.

I replaced the receiver on the ‘12 as a precautionary measure when the truck was new. While I don’t tow a heavy trailer I figured it was better to be safe than sorry.

I’m thinking the absence of complaints or NHTSA recalls probably answers my question.

I agree with your observation about the lack of complaints. We just picked up a new ‘19 Ram 2500 and I crawled under to inspect the hitch. It’s much beefier than the ‘19 Ram 1500 it replaced. We towed our 27’ Globetrotter with both trucks.

You might post your question on HDRams Forum. There’s a lot of experience over there!
https://hdrams.com/forum/index.php

[21Airstream]

I appreciate your input (both posts). I’m thinking this is a non-issue (and might have been in ‘12). I have a tendency to err on the side of caution so I’ll just routinely inspect it, like I do the rest of my equipment.

[DewTheDew]

Originally Posted by 21Airstream

I appreciate your input (both posts). I’m thinking this is a non-issue (and might have been in ‘12). I have a tendency to err on the side of caution so I’ll just routinely inspect it, like I do the rest of my equipment.

I have nothing to contribute but just wanted to say that though I now live in the DC area I am from WA and will be driving through Wenatchee (from the Tri Cities to Chelan) in a few weeks. Just seeing people on here from WA, especially Eastern WA, makes me home sick! I love that area and the drive from the Tri Cities up the Columbia is wonderful.

Good luck with the truck and AS!

[21Airstream]

Thank you!

I didn’t grow up here but I’ve lived here for close to thirty years. My girls were raised here but have moved on and they too are homesick.

We love to visit Texas, where I grew up. We both have family down there but North Central Washington is home.

[out of sight]

Originally Posted by 21Airstream

I appreciate your input (both posts). I’m thinking this is a non-issue (and might have been in ‘12). I have a tendency to err on the side of caution so I’ll just routinely inspect it, like I do the rest of my equipment.

I wouldn't expect a problem since pulling an Airstream is a light load for the rating on that receiver. But it's a good idea to inspect the welds on your hitch. Usually there will be a visible crack in a weld long before it actually fails.

When you're looking for weld cracks, throw tons of bright light onto the weld. This is more important than magnification. You will be able to see the tiniest of cracks developing.

[21Airstream]

Yup, will do.

[21Airstream]

BTW, simply towing our FC 27FB has never been a concern but the stresses that are placed on vehicles when taking evasive action are. I haven’t had to take evasive action yet with our Airstream but the possibility exists. (I did have to move over avoid a suspected drunk driver in Northern Idaho (two lane highway) once when towing an SOB but that was the only time and I didn’t come close to losing control).