Ok here is my question guys. I purchased a truck camper. I have to drill holes in my frame to mount the belly bar. I am paranoid about drilling holes in my frame. will drilling a 2 half inch holes on each frame rail weaken my frame in anyway?
The camper only ways 1500lbs loaded. The truck is a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD EC SB 4x4

Thank you for the help guys.
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If you have a fifth wheel hitch you have to drill holes, so as far as I know it doesn't weaken the frame. Plus unlike the Fords, and Dodges the GM products from 2001 up have double ply frames so no issue.

J

I had to do the same thing for the custom mount for the 5vr hitch. Didn't give it a second thought! 2 holes 1/2" in diameter shouldn't be a concern.

You might want to research that a bit more. With Hydroformed Frames, you have to be careful where you drill the holes.. nothing on the upper or lower lips IIRC on non boxed sections.

When you drill in the Side Rail and fill the hole with a tighten (full sized) bolt, you achive About the same strength as "Undrill-ed". I would never Weld or Drill on the Lips, boxed or not.

Bout a quarters worth.

Idahofox

I didn't like the thought of drilling my frame either. My 5th wheel hitch wanted 8 - 1/2" holes in the frame. I drilled one hole for each bracket and had a buddy weld them on, I never plan on unbolting the receiver base anyway.

drilling those holes frame in the takes alot of patience.i drilled mine in about an hour nad a half and 3 drill bits.go slow and yyour bits will last alot longer than reving up your drill.you might drill the first real fast doing that but the rst will go way slow cause youve burned up your bit

The secret to bit longevity is..........Slow and Wet(Drilling/Cutting Fluid).

The key is to keep it cool.

And, always start with a small "pilot" hole and graduate up from there.

For a 1/2 in. hole, I will use at least 3 different sizes of bits, and 4 or more for metals thicker than 1/4 in.



Gary

True what Gray ghost said. Also keep ample pressure on the bit. No pressure on the bit or not enough will dull it also.

At a truck shop I worked at, we only drilled holes in the verticle part of the frame. Never on the "lips" or horizontal parts of the frame.

Colbalt drill bits made quick work of the holes (3/16" pilot, then 1/2"), but they are ex$pensive for the DIY'er.