Determining Ground Clearance with Curt Front Hitch Install of 2017 Ram 1500

Updated 11/03/2025 | Published 01/04/2025

Question:

This is related to the previous question Front Mount Hitch for 2017 Ram 1500. I am also concerned about the ground clearance if I install the Curt Hitch 31374 on my 2018 Ram 1500 4 x 4 and use it for a bike rack. I can easily measure the ground clearance to the bottom of the subframe where the existing weldnut is. What is the total vertical distance on the Curt hitch from it attaches to the subframe at the existing weldnut the bottom of the receiver hitch? With that dimension, Ill know the ground clearance at the bottom of hitch. See the attached sketch from the install manual for the dimension I am looking for.

asked by: Dan B

Expert Reply:

Hey Dan, I have an easier way to determine what type of ground clearance you'd have with the Curt Front Hitch part # 31374 installed.

The installation will have you trim a 7-1/2" W x 1" H space from the bottom of your truck's fascia and will protrude roughly 2" from the bottom of your bumper fascia. What you can do is use this to measure from the ground and stop 2" to 3" which is going to give you an approximation of where the hitch will sit.

Also your picture did not make it through.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jameson C.

11/3/2025

Hey Dan, how did your measurements turn out using that 2 to 3-inch protrusion from the bumper fascia as a guide for the Curt front hitch? Knowing your final ground clearance could really help others checking fit on their Ram 1500.

Dan B.

11/3/2025

@JamesonC, I just checked the ground clearance and it's 7-3/4". You need to be careful if you pull into parking spots with high curbs, but I only hit one once. I'd prefer that the hitch was an inch or two farther forward. Putting on a bike rack is a little tough because the receiver hitch is pretty far back. Overall, I'd buy it again, it solved my problem of transporting bikes when I pull my travel trailer.