Can OEM Hitch on 2015 Ram 1500 Be Welded to Frame to Increase Towing Capacity

Updated 05/17/2022 | Published 05/16/2022

Question:

I have a 2015 Ram 1500 with a class 3 hitch rated to 6000lbs and 600lb TW. The trailer I need to pull is 5100 lbs and 700 lbs TW. The only difference that I can see between a class 3 and class 4 hitch on the RAM, is one is bolted to the rear crossmember and one is welded. Would it be possible to increase the TW by welding the class 3 to the crossmember? Other than that, what are my other options?

asked by: Kyle

Expert Reply:

If you remove the OEM hitch on your 2015 Ram 1500 and install a heftier hitch like the Curt Class IV Trailer Hitch # 14374 you'll have a hitch that can handle 10,000 lbs towing and 1,000 lbs tongue. I don't have the authority or ability to say that welding parts of your hitch will increase weight ratings - that's something you'll have to get in writing from a dealer.

With all of that being said, I do recommend checking out the weight rating of your actual truck prior to swapping out the hitch or doing any welding. The hitch might be rated for 6K towing and 600 lbs tongue but if your truck is rated for less than that then you can't even max out the capacity of the hitch in the first place.

Attached is an installation video of the Curt on a 2015 Ram 1500 for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G