Ball Mount and Ball Recommendation for 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab V8 and Boat Trailer

Updated 01/12/2013 | Published 01/11/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10K

(283)

$82.52

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2634)

$11.68

Draw-Tite Ball Mount for 2" Hitch - 7" Rise, 8" Drop - 9-1/2" Long - 12,000 lbs

(3491)

$64.93

Question:

In will be purchasing all the stuff needed for my 2005 dodge dakota quad cab V8 to pull a boat trailer. I plan on getting a draw tite 75251 or hidden hitch87753. Your video says the distance from ground to top of ball mount is 16.75 inches. I measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the coupler on the trailer to be 24 inchesm it may be slightly less as it is not perfectly level. It appears that it has a 2 inch ball, no measurements given on the coupler. What ball mounts and ball do you recommend?

asked by: Jim H

Expert Reply:

For your 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab V8, I recommend the Draw-Tite Aluminum Ball Mount # 4283 based on the coupler height you gave. It is a Class III ball mount with a 7 inch rise with a tow rating of 12,000 lbs. This mount will be a good fit based on your coupler height with the hitch height of the Hidden Hitch and Draw-Tite trailer hitches you referenced as it will provide a level tow for your boat trailer.

If you would prefer a more economic option, I would recommend the Draw-Tite 6-3/4 inch Rise Mount # 2793.

The larger wheels, lift kits, etc., can affect the actual rise and drop of the ball mount you would need. If you have something that raises or lowers the height of your vehicle from stock, you may want to install the hitch prior to purchasing the ball mount.

Regarding the ball, your trailer coupler should have a size stamped on it or the size should be on the trailer labels. You will want to choose a ball that coincides with the weight of your fully-loaded trailer and the size required, either a 1-7/8 inch, # 19260, or 2 inch ball, # 19247. The Hidden Hitch Class III Trailer Hitch 87753 has been discontinued, but the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Class III Trailer Hitch # 75251 can use any 2 inch ball mount you need for rise and fall, and whichever size hitch ball you need.

I have included a link to our FAQ page on trailer hitch balls to assist you.

I have added a link to our FAQ page on choosing the correct ball mount. I have also included links to the proper instructions on the installation of both hitches as well as videos showing the installation of each hitch on a 2005 Dodge Dakota.