Hitch Extender Needed to Tow 9,700 lbs with a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500

Published 12/07/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Gen-Y 2-Ball Mount for 2-1/2" Hitch Receivers - 2-5/16" and 2" Balls

(121)

$169.95

TorkLift SuperHitch Original Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - Dual 2" Receivers

(16)

$803.04

TorkLift SuperTruss Hitch Extension for SuperHitch Trailer Hitch Receivers - 24" Long

(342)

$675.17

Question:

Hello. My wife and I have a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 dually, and we routinely tow a 22 foot 14k flatbed loaded with our 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4x4 for weekend rock crawling here in Colorado. We want to get a full size slide-in bed camper and we will naturally need an extension for hooking up the trailer. The trailer is a 14k-rated flatbed and weighs about 3700 lbs, plus another 6000 lbs with the truck loaded on it. We use the standard weight-distributing hitch...tho as sturdy as the truck and suspension are we likely dont need it. The question is will one of your extensions work for a HD flatbed trailer like ours. The hitch is a Titan 2-1/2 inch class V unit. Thank you

asked by: Sam

Expert Reply:

Since none of our extenders are a viable option (either too short or not rated high enough for weight), your best option would be to use a ball mount with a long shank. Part # 325-GH-064 is rated for 21,000 lbs, fits a 2-1/2" hitch receiver, and has a total length of 12-1/2". If this can accommodate your truck camper then this is what I recommend using.

If that doesn't work then you will want to uninstall your current Titan hitch and swap it out with the TorkLift Trailer Hitch # TLD1101. This will then allow you to use a TorkLift extender on the linked page, like part # TLE1524 rated for 14,000 lbs GTW with WD, which will be rated high enough to tow your trailer. Keep in mind that for a WD system you will need to take into account the Tongue Weight (TW) of your fully loaded trailer as well as any weight behind the rear axle of your Ram 3500. Since you will be adding a camper to your Ram, you will likely need a bigger WD system to accommodate the added weight. If you can let me know what the TW of your setup is and how much weight will be behind the rear axle of your 3500 I can make a recommendation for you.

The only option left would be for you to flat tow your 2002 Dodge Dakota but since you are using it as a rock crawler that does not seem like the best idea.

I have attached some review videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G