Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2003 Dodge Dakota

Updated 01/28/2019 | Published 01/27/2019

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(66)

$199.73

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(273)

$37.16

No-Drill Mount Bracket, Long

(681)

$19.75

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$155.79

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

(316)

$225.81

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3397)

$121.25

Question:

Id like to buy a hitch for my Dakota but dont know the plus and minus of the various options that are all about the same price. Can you help me narrow down the decision? I want one that is the simplest to install without losing any strength. Thanks,

asked by: Tom N

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2003 Dodge Dakota and it looked like the max towing capacity for your pickup when equipped with a Class III trailer hitch is 5,000 lbs. Since all of the trailer hitches available for your pickup are Class III with a max rating of 5,000 lbs (500 lbs tongue weight) and similar install difficulty (per the manufacturers) it really boils down to style.

The 2 trailer hitches that are easiest to install are the Curt # C13280 and the etrailer # e53AR. I recommend going with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e53AR.

If you still need a trailer wiring plug for your pickup then I recommend the Tekonsha T-One # 118329 for a 4-Way as it is the most reliable wiring out there. Then for a 7-Way connector, for a brake controller like the Prodigy P3 # 90195, you would need to install the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. The No-Drill Bracket # 18136 can be used to easily attach the 7-Way to the Draw-Tite trailer hitch. Installation videos have been linked for all of these parts for you to reference.

Then if you don't already have a ball mount/hitch ball I have linked our selection of ball mounts and hitch balls for you to filter through as well as a helpful article on how to choose the correct one for your application.