Availability of a Class V Trailer Hitch for a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500

Updated 12/16/2010 | Published 12/15/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2"

(284)

$289.15

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(263)

$293.46

Question:

I have a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 with a hitch installed by the dealer or factory not sure and it is a class IV rated 5000/500. I want a class V hitch rated at least 10,000/1000 but all of the hitches say they will not fit where if a factory hitch was installed. Why? What do I do and why would they install a hitch rated far below the tow rating? Thanks,

asked by: Robert

Expert Reply:

The reason that aftermarket hitches cannot be installed on a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 with a factory installed trailer hitch is because the hitch is welded to the rear cross member and cannot be removed. It the hitch on your truck was installed by the dealer and is bolted on, it can be removed and a new hitch installed in its place.

If the hitch is bolted on, we do not carry a Class V hitch for your truck, but we do have a Class IV rated and 1,000 pounds tongue weight capacity and 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight capacity. Take a look at Curt Trailer Hitch, # 14374. With this trailer hitch installed you will want to double check the towing capacity of your truck. In my research, I have found that the highest standard towing capacity for a 2 wheel drive model is 6,700 pounds (higher when using weight distribution). For a 4x4, the highest standard towing capacity is 8,900 pounds (higher when using weight distribution).

To figure out why the manufacturer would put a hitch rated at a lower capacity than the truck is capable of, you would need to consult someone involved in engineering at Chrysler. There could be any number of reasons but I do not want to give you the wrong information so your best bet is to go to the source.

expert reply by: Michael H