Hitch Receiver for a Pleasure-Way Plateau Sprinter

[Davydd]

You would think this would be easy. I don't have a hitch receiver and figured getting one would be easy since they are practically standard on Plateaus with step bumpers. So I contacted Pleasure-Way. They said SprinterAccessories.com only they do not list a receiver hitch that will fit with a step bumper. So I went to the Dodge dealer for my first service. They had no stock number for a receiver hitch that would work with a step bumper. So I called the official service company for Lake Region RV (Frank's in Ramsey, MN). Frank was stumped.

OK, I think I know which one will work but you would hope one of the "experts" would know for sure. I believe a Curt Model No. 13250 is what I am looking for. Anyone know for sure? Anyone want to take a look and see if there is a label or model number on theirs?

[julievojo]

I'll go out and look at ours tomorrow when/if it dries up. No way I'm crawling under there today!

Chino says it was a "Curt", he bought it on Ebay and Burnsville Dodge installed it for us. I'll find out what model ASAP.

[Davydd]

Just an update. I'm still working on this and it gets more frustrating. SprinterAccessories.com says they no longer carry a receiver hitch to work on my 2005 Pleasure-Way Plateau B. They said they were out of stock and had no plans to add more now that the 2007 Sprinter van is out.

I could get off my duff and go visit some hitch places but have three camping trips planned and am trying to completely remodel our home kitchen before Thanksgiving. So I may wait until next season when the situation could get worse. By then I might have to do a custom hitch receiver. Fortunately I know someone who could do it for me but he might do it in his specialty of welding stainless steel.

[markopolo]

Take a look at these instructions for Hidden Hitch model 87646:

http://www.hiddenhitch.com/fitguides/pdf/N87646.pdf

1. For vehicles with step bumper remove existing bolt from frame, one per side.

Maybe that model will work.

Here's a link for a Curt Manufacturing Hitch:

http://secure.mycart.net/catalogs/catal ... prevnext=1

[Davydd]

I don't think the Hidden hitch will work but I do think the Curt 13250 is the one that will. The only problem is Pleasure-Way, the local Pleasure-Way dealer, Pleasure-Way's local authorized repair center, nor Dodge have come up with saying that is the one. That is the disappointment. If I could get a positive answer I could order and do it myself. I think my next move will be to just meet with a local hitch specialist and work it out during the camping off-season after mid October. I'm willing to pay the nominal fee to have a specialist do it instead of spending a couple of days screwing around and scraping my knuckles.

[markopolo]

Someone on the Sprinter Source Forum should know. You might have already checked but here's the link:

http://www.sprinter-source.com/forum/index.php

[Davydd]

Next weekend I will examine Julie and Chino's installation and that way I will know exactly what to look for and what needs to be done. They did did an after market hitch receiver installation.

[julievojo]

That's just what I was going to say Dave. Talk to Chino. He bought our hitch parts on Ebay, but had Burnsville Dodge install them. He'll be able to give you the details.

[Davydd]

Here's an update. I went to Lake Region RV, the Pleasure-Way dealer, and they said they could not help since Pleasure-Way custom made the hitches and no longer had them for older Sprinters. They recommended a local welding shop that specialized in custom hitches. I got a quote of $500! That was just too much to swallow. So I went ahead and ordered that Curt 13250 Class III hitch I mentioned hoping it will work. If it doesn't I have a fall back solution. My daughter's boyfriend is an independent welder. If it does not work quite right we can modify it to make it work. The only question is whether the hitch receiver tube is long enough to clear the step bumper.

The hitch receiver is coming from e-trailer.com and the cost is $155.95 with no tax and free shipping. That will be my cost if it fits. So far e-trailer.com has been top-notch with service. They sent out e-mails as to the status of the hitch (in stock) immediately and followed up with shipping information as to when it left their warehouse (the very next day).

Next thing I have to do is buy a storage box big enough for two inflatable kayaks.

[Davydd]

Update. I received the hitch this afternoon UPS Ground in less than 3 days of placing the order from e-trailer.com with free shipping. I would say that is super service.

A quick check indicates it is the right size and will work with the step bumper without modification. If so, that will make me a happy camper.

[Davydd]

I got the hitch receiver installed yesterday. it fit perfectly. So if anyone with a 2003-2006 Sprinter RV 2500 158" wheelbase and step bumper want to do the same, the Curt 13250 is the correct hitch and can be bought at etrailer.com.