New Truck/Hitch Question

chiefcamper wrote:
Hi All;

I am going to look at a new truck today and was wondering if anybody has experience with the car dealer removing and installing a hitch? Do they even do it? Would you trust them? Thanks.

Ram will sell you one OEM. I'm thinking others might also. I'll bet others will be able to tell you how to do it cheaper and better. They also do a "prep" package so you don't have to drill holes in the bed.

Thanks, I should probable clarify, new as in used. It is a 2016 so I'm not sure it has anything from the factory.

I have a 2014 GMC 3500HD dually, came with the Reese hitch that uses the "pucks" instead of rails. Installed by dealer, no problems. On my old truck had a hitch that used rails. The rails were installed by the RV dealer not parallel.....guess you take your chances!

I would not have it done at dealer, take it to a place that sells and installs hitches and have new rails installed and the hitch transferred. I am assuming you do not have the puck system mentioned by others as that is an easy switch. The hitch sales place does them every day and will do it properly and without issue.

If you have the prep package, there will be 5 holes in the bed of the truck. Probably covered with plastic covers. Then don't buy a hitch from the car dealer, they will be a lot more expensive. There are online dealers that will be less pricey and will offer a selection of hitches.

A little info goes a long ways when wanting a question answered! So it's a 2016, 1500, 2500/3500 and what brand?

Use a pro to install the hitch, not a dealer. You want this to the tech’s 200th hitch, not their second...he read the instructions months ago on the first one.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
A little info goes a long ways when wanting a question answered! So it's a 2016, 1500, 2500/3500 and what brand?

2016 Chevy 3500HD SRW

I went to a local hitch shop. They deal mostly with hitches of all kinds but also handle other truck and towing items. Far more knowledgeable and better priced than any dealer. Did a great job installing my hitch.

The next choice would be an RV repair shop. One that only does repairs and installations of RV equipment but does not sell RV's.

Assuming it does not have the factory hitch prep, I would go to a local hitch/trailer shop. The dealer will probably just send it out to be done and charge you extra for doing it.