MichaelD1

The weights that are being talked about seem more like gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch weights. I know people tow more weight than is listed on their hitches but I remember seeing stickers on factory hitches that read 500-600 lbs tongue wgt and 5000-6000 lbs towing without a WDH. I drive an 04 3500 SRW CTD and pull a 25' on the floor gooseneck horse trailer (4h with LQ). I'm guessing loaded with 2 horses gear and supplies for 4 days of camping it weighs in at around 10,000-12,000 lbs. What you all are saying is this much weight can be pulled by a factory frame hitch. I wouldn't.
Mike

DBLR

My 06 has a Class IV (4) hitch. IIRC the lowest rating I've seen on a class 4 is 10K and many I’ve seen can do 12,500 lbs.

Update: I just looked in my 2006 owner’s manual and it states that class 4 is good for 10K, max trailer weight and suggest 5th wheel for over 10k.

SAS

I went with a Putnam XDR class 5 hitch on my 04.5. I remember reading that the stock hitch was rated for 12000 or 12500lbs. with weight distributing but my problem was the weight carrying, 1200lbs. The tongue weight on my toy hauler is over 1500lbs. the Putnam is rated for 16000/1700lbs. Installing the Putnam requires removal of the stock receiver tube from the cross member.

Stock Tube



Ready For Install


New Putnam


Installed

Howling

So since my truck did not come with a hitch(should of looked first )the Putnam hitch should bolt right up,correct?

SAS

According to Putnam, Yes

Quote:
Dodge
03-06 1 Piece 1500/2500/3500 Series Pickup
Note: If Factory Receiver is Present, Installation may require specialty tools

Also in the install instructions it says,
Application: Will NOT Fit Models with Factory Receiver

Check it out here
http://trailersnhitches.com/putnamcart/25211.html

PS. I think I paid about $229 through a local trailer supply store

Howling

Thanks for the reply

BigBlueDodge

This is probably one of the most MISUNDERSTOOD parts of our truck. On your window sticker when you bought your truck, Dodge states that you have a Class IV hitch. If you look on page 315 of you owners manual, you will see that Dodge defines a class IV hitch as being able to hold up to 10K lbs. From this you will get a false sense of security, because Dodge will only rate the hitch as Class IV if you use a weight distrobution hitch. If you do not have a weight distrobution hitch, then the factory hitch is only rated for 600lb tongue weight, 6000lb trailer weight.

So, YES most of you have been towing overweight and beyond the hitches capacity. I would suggest that you purchase a TRUE Class V hitch from one of the aftermarket makers. Yes it sucks that Dodge will put together a truck designed to pull up to 16000 lbs, and then cripple it with a wimpy hitch. But, guess what, so do Ford and Chevy/GM.

SAS

In my owners manual (2004.5) I states on page 276 that the Class IV hitch supplied with the tow prep package is rated at 12,000 lbs. and on page 278 it states that the class IV hitch tongue weight rating as supplied is 1,200lbs with weight distribution. At 11,000 lbs/1500lbs. I was within the gross trailer rating but over the tongue weight rating. The the Class V hitch I installed made a big difference in how solid the connection feels while towing and it does a much better job at distributing the weight.

Have they lowered the ratings on the 2005 and/or 2006 hitches?

SAS!

BigBlueDodge

I had a 2004.5 myself, and I remember the exact same stuff. Those ratings, 12,000lb / 1200 tongue weight, are ONLY valid if you have a weight distrobution hitch on. Without one, the ratings are basically 1/2 of that.

It does appear that Dodge has lowered the ratings on 2004 to 2006.