Just ordered a 2006 3500 CTD with the Class IV tow hitch. I plan on getting an 11'5" camper and consequently will need a hitch extension to tow a 3,000 pound boat. Is it possible to use a 48" extension with the factory hitch or do I need to replace it?

Thanks in advance!

Ken

 

Yep, you'll need a new Class V receiver to handle a 48 in. extension.
Either the Titan 2.5 in. receiver , or the Torklift DUAL 2 in. receiver.

From what I understand, the Dodge receiver is now integral with the rearmost x-member, and these aftermarket receivers will mount BELOW it.
Let us all know how well a 48 in. extension works out mounted that low.

 

If I had to do it again I would have NOT gotten the factory Class IV tow package and just installed a Class V on my own. There are basically two things you can do now if you're going with a Class V:

1) Get one of the Class V's that mounts below the factory hitch (looks kind of dorky if you ask me to have two hitches sitting under there)

2) Go to a muffler shop or get a friend to cut the factory hitch (NOT THE CROSSMEMBER - JUST THE HITCH) off of the crossmember and mount a Class V in it's place. From what I've seen of the Class V's, they don't interfere with the crossmember when bolting them to the frame.

 

I guess I'll see for myself when I get the truck in, but talked to both the Dodge dealer and Torklift/Superhitch rep and both said the factory class IV receiver can be unbolted with no problem. The Superhitch will bolt directly under the factory hitch to strengthen it and allow use of the double hitch extension that superhitch has. I suspect I'll go that option. We'll see.

 

I could live with that option!
Let us know how it works out...

Did you have one of those "slide in camper use NOT recommended" sheets in the glovebox of your '06? Or did DCX drop all of that silliness?

Between the extension hitch dilemma, and Dodge not recommending camper use, I had almost given up on upgrading to a new dually..
Maybe now there is some hope!

 

truckjunkie - WHICH Class V receiver are you referring too? The ones I've seen (Titan Tow Monster) hang below the factory receiver height no matter if you've cut it off or not.

 

Take a look at this thread - the Putnam hitch mentioned is the one I was thinking of...

Also, there's some mention of using extentions as well, though I could imagine that using BOTH receivers would be nice when using the length of extention that's been mentioned...

Hope this helps...

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...itch+class+cut

 

Thanks, truckjunkie, but in that referred post the Putnam hitch doesn't offer extensions for their 2 in. receiver.

I think kwinterb is on to something with the Superhitch. It mounts underneath the factory receiver and utilizes BOTH for their 48 in. long dual tube extension. It may work!

 

Actually have not gotten the truck yet. Just placed the order last week. I did tell my dealer I was getting the truck to carry a TC, he didn't mention DC recommending against it. I sure hope DC doesn't try voiding any warranty issues just for using a TC. I'll post up either way regarding the note when I get the truck, sometime in Decemeber.