Recommended Front Mount Hitch For A 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4

Updated 09/24/2025 | Published 12/18/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(55)

$281.93

Curt Trailer Hitch Electric Winch Mount Plate

(51)

$155.73

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(27)

$263.60

Question:

I’m looking for a front hitch to put a winch on. I’d like to see if you have one that fits where the tow hooks go. Thank you..

asked by: Kyle M

Expert Reply:

The front mount hitches we have available for your 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 (Curt # C31017 and Draw-Tite # 65046) will both mount under the bumper, which I have examples of in an included picture. With that said, we do not have an option that will mount up at the tow hooks, unfortunately.

Both of these hitches are rated to 9,000 pounds of line pull, but the Draw-Tite # 65046 is rated to 500 of tongue/vertical load, which will be higher than the Curt's 350 pound capacity. Between the two, I recommend the Draw-Tite due to this.

As a side note, if you do not have a mounting plate for the winch yet, I can also recommend the Curt Electric Winch Mount Plate # C31010. It will not only give you a good place to mount the winch, but will also be a lot easier to get installed in the hitch.

expert reply by: Lazer S

Front Hitch Examples On 2006 Dodge Ram 3500
(click to enlarge)

Robert

9/24/2025

Hello, is there a reason you did not recommend the curt 31320 ? It has a tw of 500

Lazer S.

9/24/2025

@Robert The Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 31320 will only fit a Ram 1500 from '02 to '08 (Excluding Extended Crew Cab Pickup for '06 to '08). This specific person was looking for a front hitch for his '06 Ram 3500, so it was/is not an option. Are you looking for a front hitch for a 1500? The # 31320 is a good option if you are and your truck is in the previously mentioned year range.

Robert

9/24/2025

@LazerS thanks for the information. i have a 3500 4x4.. so it looks like the 31017 is what i can use. i was hoping the 31320 would work as it's TW is 500 lbs... odd the TW is higher on a lighter weight truck? maybe due to vehicle weights etc. i was going to call Curt, but their site shows only the 31017 for my 07 3500 Cummins diesel.

Lazer S.

9/24/2025

@Robert I honestly couldn't tell you there is a weight difference between them, nor could I get an answer. I can say the Draw-Tite # 65046 does have the 500 pound tongue weight capacity, but it does sit lower than the Curt # C31017. That may be why it has the higher capacity? Big guess there though. I will admit to preferring Curt hitches as they are American made, so it would most likely be the one I went with.