Most Popular 500 lbs Vert Load for 1998 Dodge Ram Pickup

Got this on my 2006 2500 Ram. I did avoid drilling the holes over 1 inch (suggested in the directions) by loosening the bumper bolts and prying out some brackets in the frame ends temporarily (just to get the bolts fished thru). I pushed the brackets back in after getting the bolts in place (and believe the bumper bolts will squeeze them to hold them), but I did bend some tabs that I can't get back to original. My bumper bolts on the driver side wouldn't go in far enough (hitting a cooler) to be totally flush for a completely vertical lift into place, so I had to swing it up there first, then do the passenger side. The first pair of bolt fishing went good, but then I had trouble getting the wires off the bolts (they were tight enough that the more I tried to twist them off, the tighter they gripped it). So instead of them coming off like twisting a nut off, I ended up peeling them off (with the bolts staying stationary and my peeling the wire around them). That slightly bent the wires so they were slightly bigger than the threads and while fishing the second set, the wire didn't stay in the threads and jammed the bolt in the hole a bit (but I still got them in place). So watch how you treat the fishing wires until done. I already have a winch mounted on a hitch bracket, but may use this for more things besides that.

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The instructions were good but could be printed larger for those of us with old eyes. The YouTube video was excellent and gave me the confidence to perform the installation myself. This front hitch is just what I needed to use for a canoe carrier over the front of my truck. Thank you.

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Perfect fit... I use the front hitch quite often on my dodge service truck... As a portable sawmill service the choice between backing the sawmill up the narrow winding driveway that goes up and over the ridge the log deck or hitching it up to the front and driving it into place is no question... Another use has been positioning the travel trailer... No clearance with the service box for tight turns... Full range of turn off the front...

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Great quality and made strong. Easy to bolt up on the 98 Ram 2500. All hardware is included and instructions are clear for those of us the glance at them ;) I just removed the air dam instead of notching it out cause it gives me better access to the side hooks on the hitch for winching. I think it looks better anyway without it. Alway a great experience working with Etrailer!!

Easy install,even on a salty truck.

Installed quick and easy. Found a YOUTUBE video and it was very simple

Easy ordering, quick delivery, relatively simple installation. Took a couple of hours from start to finish and worked perfectly to back my camper/trailer into a tight space.

Received the item a day before it was scheduled for delivery. Package well and was a good price! Thanks, Jared

I got the hitch and made a appointment to have it put on. That fell through so I decided to tackle it myself. It was extremely easy, my wife helped hold it in place while I got the bolts started. I use the hitch which I install in the front of my 2500 Ram to haul my ebikes on a bike rack. Works excellent.

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Hitch arrived in three days, installed in an hour! Perfect fit on my 2017 Ram Tradesman 2500 HD. Will have to lengthen my bike rack tube due to design of rack. Thanks Sammy for calling Curt, then guaranteeing return shipping if no fit. You can hardly notice it's there!

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Easy to install and durable. I used this to hold a 80 qt. cooler in an aluminum surf fishing rack, full of ice and fish. It was rock solid. You do have to get used to it being there when pulling into a parking space with a concrete curb in front of you. Even then the curb usually loses.

Was easy to install and fit like a glove on my 2019 classic body Ram 1500 truck 4x4. E-trailer shipped it fast to. Got it in less than five business days.

First the good news; it does fit the truck (2018 RAM 3500) without any drilling, just some trimming of the plastic air dam below the bumper is necessary, but that's easy enough. So I give it 4 stars, and would have given 5 but for the bad news. The bad news is that etrailer doesn't pack these hitches very well to protect them from getting knocked around in transit. The hitch is heavy steel and it's just basically wrapped in a regular cardboard box with no protective bracing at all. This is the second hitch I've bought from eTrailer which had this problem, the other being a front hitch for a Toyota Tundra. What happens is they get dropped in the shipping process and the "wings" get bent so the distance between those wings become to small to fit over the frame rails in the vehicle. The first time it happened I didn't understand why the hitch wouldn't fit, so I called tech support at etrailer and they explained what they thought had happened and suggested I "spread" the wings back out by using a jack and a piece of wood. I did that and the hitch then fitted just fine. Now I get this one, and it had the exact same problem. Since this was not new territory this time I knew how to fix it, but it's still a pain to have to hunt around for just the right bits of wood etc and spend time on this extra step. Judging by how quickly the tech support diagnosed the problem the first time around, I'm thinking this is something which happens often enough for them to be familiar with it. So it's a little surprising to me that etrailer hasn't come up with a fix. A simple piece of wood (a 2 x 4, say) cut to exactly the right distance between the (unbent) wings, and held in place with tape or something would prevent the wings from getting bent inwards if (when is more like) it's dropped on one end in the warehouse or in transit. I've done a fair bit of business over the years with etrailer, and they're a really great company to trade with. In fact this very issue of bent end wings on trailer hitches is the only fitment problem I've ever had with anything from them. Once can be a fluke. But twice is a pattern, folks. You should really fix this.

Everything is just the way it was described to me at the time of sale. This hitch works great on the front of my 2018 Ram 3500 to haul my Honda Ruckus. I am very happy with it. What made it even better was the great service I received from Etrailer when I bought it. :)

I bought this receiver to add front mounted 'accessories' on my 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. I plan on using this to add an extra bicycle rack, a cargo basket, a receiver mounted winch or other 'accessories' needed for my Jeep when I take my family camping. It will also be useful for "front launching" a boat or parking a trailer in tight spots. It took me about an hour to install, although I had already previously removed the lower wind deflector cowling, so did not have to spend time removing it or cutting it for a finished look. Detaching and moving the top trim panel between the grill and the bumper is a must to facilitate the installation. The receiver fits pretty close, although you do have to manipulate it to get the holes to line up with the frame. Follow the instructions and do not tighten any of the bolts until you get it lined up and all the bolts in loosely, then torque it down. As noted in the instruction sheet, the driver's side of the receiver does not sit flush against the frame, there is about a 1/4" to 5/8" gap. The instructions say to use the extra split washers (in the kit) as filler, but they would just rattle around loose in there and provide any benefit, so I omitted them. Once tightened down, the receiver tube was not parallel to the ground, it is slightly higher in the front, sloping towards the rear. It is not off enough to affect my intended use, but may be bothersome to those with type 'A' attention to detail. Overall a good product that will add a lot of flexibility to my Jeep~

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Relatively easy install. Just have to be mechanically inclined. We use the hitch to carry a fish rack/cooler on a 2011 Jeep Wrangler. So far so good.

Product was received in very good condition and quick. It took me about an hour from the time I put it on the ramps till I backed off with the factory tow hooks removed and the new hitch installed. Fit was as good as anyone could want.

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etrailer is a great company. Smooth fast shipping. The hitch mounted perfectly.

After a year of having this on my truck I can say that I wish I did it sooner! The installation is easy as can be. The hitch is super handy as both a tow point and also as a kind of skid plate/bumper. I have contacted multiple ecology blocks and other objects in my truck, the hitch is the first thing to touch so nothing on the truck gets damaged! This is a super strong, affordable, and versatile addition to any vehicle!

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VERY Easy install - not quite centered but that's no biggie - Used it already to fine tune the travel trailer into it's tight parking space. Also will be used for carhauler/utility trailer parking and canoe hauling and bike hauling and winch mount - Multi use deal! ; )

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I installed this myself with no help and I'm rapidly approaching 70. All the parts were included. Yes, it took me a bit longer, and, yes, it wasn't fun laying on the ground or getting up and down from such positions. The hitch works as it should. Some of the bolts were a bit inaccessible for my torque wrench with the various extensions I own but I'm sure they're very tight. It works great with my snow plow. Sorry, but I have not taken any photos.

Easy to install (On my Tacoma) and is sturdy. Just a thought to anyone who installs this, spray it with something like spray rubber or paint to help with corrosion. The bolts and nuts themselves started to show rust almost after the first use. And if you live in the RUST BELT like me, its gonna get hit with alot of salt, so best protect that investment!

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I have had the front receiver hitch installed on my 1996 Suburban for about a year now. I have a 12000 lb winch installed using that receiver hitch. I have gotten stuck twice and had to use the winch to extract the truck. Very glad that I have the front receiver hitch as it made putting on the winch very easy. Also useful for mounting a receiver mount bicycle rack to the front as well.

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Product was shipped promptly and arrived a few days later. Packing was good for a heavy item with pointy edges, no issues breaking out of the box. Installation on a lift took about 30 minutes on my 1999 K2500 Suburban. The bolts were long enough to allow for my tow hooks that were already in place. A bolt stringer to pull the rear bolts from the top (inside the frame) is provided along with nuts, the other four just replaced the stock bolts that I had that mount from the bottom into tapped frame metal through the tow hooks. Curt makes great quality stuff. Clearance was reduced a little but I'm not concerned about it.

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This hitch is high quality and fit perfectly. Install was relatively easy. I needed this hitch because I tow a travel trailer and need to carry my bike rack and bikes as well. I can move the bike rack to my rear factory hitch when I'm not towing, very simple. The pictures show my truck / RV with my bike rack installed in the front hitch.

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This is the third Curt front receiver hitch I have used on vehicles. The hitch was good quality with clear instructions included. It definitely helped during installation that I had a friend and shop to do the install as the ends had to be spread a hair to slide around the frame rails. We had the hitch installed in about 20 minutes. The reason for the average rating is that this is supposed to fit the 2010 Ford F150 Raptor. Although it does fit, you cannot reinstall the skid plate without sever modifications and then, the skid plate would just be for looks. The end of the hitch also sits behind the bumper requiring me to purchase a hitch extension in order for me to install my receiver mounted winch. I bought the RM-071-1075 from etrailer in order to mount the winch. Recently I had to use the winch and had no issues with this set up doing a straight pull. When we tried to pull at a slight angle, I was afraid of exceeding the capacity of the hitch due to the extra leverage caused by the extension (big heavy Raptor on 37's buried in mud and snow). Overall I would have given the receiver hitch 5 stars if the description mentioned that there would be issues installing on a Raptor. I probably would have done a traditional bumper mounted winch but I like being able to move the winch front to back (which is how I ended getting out of the situation).

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Great customer service and product.

The quality and fit is exceptional. So much so that this is the third hitch assembly I've purchased and installed. This one was for my brother in-laws 1999 F350. I also put a 10k winch on a slider that works perfectly with this assembly. Other vehicles I purchased and installed assemblies on are a 2011 F350 and a 2016 Class C motorhome. Very happy.

This was one of the easiest accessories I’ve installed on my Tundra. It is a front receiver hitch so I don’t use it very often. Mostly just for bike racks when towing a trailer, but when you need it you need it.

Straight forward and perfect fit on my 2008 Toyota Tundra!!

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Delivery was super fast, instructions and instructional video was excellent. Installed my new part in less than 40 minutes

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Install went perfectly. It all bolted up just how the instructions said it would. The hardest part was navigating your tools in the tight spaces. Having the deep sockets as suggested is definitely worth it. I was also able to utilize a cordless impact wrench and it helped a ton. This will work great for our bike rack.

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Very easy to install. works great for bike rack and generator box.

After struggling with the answering menu, Steve Z. was instrumental in locating a hitch to fit my van which was not specifically identified in any data search. Weird year, 2005, of popular Chevy Express van, my luck! Using manufacturers dimensions I purchased #31016 on 12/21 and it arrived on 12/24. It's a very well built, USA built, unit. It arrived rapidly, but was missing half of the mounting hardware. The remainder of the hardware was rolling around in the box. Zip lock baggie ripped apart spilling them. I used a hydraulic jack to elevate hitch into place, and an additional jack to push the drill up to drill the 6 mounting holes necessary. No factory hole alignment. All the nuts for the bolts were lost in transit, but by a Christmas day miracle, I found 2 metric nuts to fit supplied bolts that survived the delivery. I will acquire, and install remaining missing 4 tomorrow. The installation went smooth and easy using this technique. It took around 3 hours with much of the time searching for hardware.' Thanks Steve Z. and etrailer. .

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I bought the front mounted hitch and license plate holder for my Denali. It’s not recommended per the listing because it requires a bit of cutting to the front fascia and such. It was a pain but looks nice & functions well once installed. I’m giving 4 stars instead of five for the license plate holder. The stock holes were spaced so generously it stuck out 3-4 inches too far looking like a mini battering ram. I drilled new holes to sit it flush and everything looks pretty factory now. I’d recommend this to product.

I buy practically all my towing accessories from etrailer. One of the reasons why is that you can tell that they take the feedback of their customers seriously. I read a lot about previously shipped products having fell out of the box in certain areas. etrailer heard that feedback and my shipping box was reinforced in just the right areas that were talked about getting punched through in shipping. The tech notes video on the 2012 F-250 applied exactly on my 2016 F-250. All the measurement specifications were correct as well. This is a job that can be done by one person, albeit you'll have to be careful. Your second set of hands can be jack stands, as it was in my case. If you take your time in positioning everything - installation will be a breeze. I do agree with previous reviews - it would be nice to have a second fishing wire as it does get stretched out when pulling the first bolt through. That, or a heavier duty gauged wire - that's just a small detail however. If you're really concerned about it, you can buy a secondary fishing wire at around 5 bucks. I spent more time taking out and putting back in body clips than I did with the install of the hitch receiver hardware. I really like the way it looks and I'm excited to use it.

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I plan on installing it tomorrow, however first impressions are not good. The box it item was shipped in was extremely damaged. Torn, ripped and taped up on all sides. The delivery person said that due to the sharp edges and the face it wasn't secured in the box (lose) led to the damage. It appears the item was not packaged properly. I just hope all the parts are there. More to follow.

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Added to use with a front winch. The install was not too difficult and the included instructions were spot-on. On my F250, the front tow hooks add to the strength of holding the hitch to the frame. On the F250 you do lose the OEM fog light location, but I used the wiring to add/relocate after-market fog lights. The set up has already proven helpful, pulling me out of a snow back while plowing. Just what I needed for some summer off road camping as well.

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I have not installed the hitches on my truck but they look to be well made and will replace the OEM hitch just fine assuming it fits. I did lower the rating because of the shipping. BOTH hitches came by LTL UPS Freight and BOTH hitches were delivered out of their boxes. The had ripped through the side or end of cardboard box. UPS carried the hitches up to the garage and then placed the boxes over them. I am hopefully that all the hardware and instructions were delivered. After I get them installed in a couple weeks we'll see how the rest of the story goes.