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

Question

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

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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.

expert reply by: Brandon M

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Answer 1

Hi Ray! The MORryde GooseTech 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box for 11.5K to 14K Trailers #MR74MV can definitely be used in a short bed 3/4 ton pickup, like your 2024 Ram 2500. Just be aware that not all trailers have a tapered nose and you may not get…

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Answer 2

Hello Jamie, thanks for reaching out. Since your 2024 Ram 2500 is a short bed, I do recommend that you go with a sliding 5th wheel hitch. The slider is to help with clearance on tight turns or when backing up into a tight parkign spot. If your Ram…

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Answer 3

Hey Bill! The Rebel is the heavier duty SumoSprings jounce springs and they have the higher weight rating at 3,000 lbs #SS64VR or 5,000 lbs #SS27GR. I usually only recommend these heavy duty versions if you have a lot of weight in the truck bed or on…

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Answer 4

If you are wanting something light weight then the Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch item #C86JR is the right hitch for you. The CrossWing weighs in at 87 lbs. The main concern with using the CrossWing on your 2021 Ram 2500 is that…

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Answer 5

Hey Jeffrey, I would be glad to help you pick out the best fifth wheel hitch for your 2024 Ram 3500 with the OEM pucks! So most of the time if the truck is a short bed like yours a slider fifth wheel hitch is needed to allow for better turning…

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Answer 6

Hey Debbie, I have a solution for you but the sliders are all going to be heavy due to them having to support the additional movement. Since your Ram has the factory puck system, I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider item…

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Answer 7

Hey, Michael! Thanks for reaching out. Yes, we do carry a front mount hitch for your 2025 Ram 2500 diesel. The EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount #EH37FR will fit both diesel and non-diesel models, but it will not fit the Power Wagon models. There’s no…

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Answer 8

Hey James, welcome back. That B&W item #BWRVK3670 is super reliable but you are not the only one who's had issues with how heavy it is. Love how you have already attempted our go to solution of taking off the lightest portion of the hitch. I…

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Answer 9

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 10

Hello Chris, thanks for getting in touch. I do have a resource that will help you determine the exact center hole location for your 2019 Ram 2500 with the 6-1/2' bed. Take a look at the instruction manual for the B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck…

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Answer 11

Hey Chris congrats on the new truck! I did some research and the HappiJac Camper Tie-Downs item #LC236326-205221 is exactly what you need for your 2026 Ram 2500. I'm working on getting our website updated as we speak. This kit includes both front…

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Answer 12

Hey Rob! You can actually use either one, but my recommendation would be the Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches #BWGNRK1320-5W. B&W makes some of the best hitches available, and the Turnoverball is no…

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

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