Class 5 Hitch for 3500 2003

[MaxTorque]

I have been trying to find a Class 5 hitch. In my quest I called Reese and found out that they have been bought out by Curtis (at least thats the name I believe they gave),in any case I was told they did not even have a design yet! I tried getting through to an engineer but no luck. Question, does anyone know who currently makes a class 5 hitch for the 3500 1 ton dually. In case you are not aware the hitch on the new Dodges is a very different animal. It clamps to the frame and is integral to the bumper. i. e. the bumper is bolted to the hitch in the center and on each side.

 

[ALS]

Max

My 03 3500 dually factory hitch is only attached to the bumper in the center above the receiver and the brackets that attach it to the frame is bolted to the end of the frame, but, it's not attached to the bumper other than the center.

The center section of the bumper is fairly substantial, since that is where a hitch ball is mounted for a smaller trailer, this adds additional support to the center of the receiver, which I would think would reduce the flex with a heavier tongue weight, even with a weight distribution hitch.

I'm sure some one has a good hitch for the 03.

My . 02.

Allen





03 3500 DRW LB Quad cab HO 6sp 3. 73s White Laramie Sport

03 Renegade/Freightliner Toterhome 430hp 1650 FT C12 Cat 10speed AutoStick 3. 43sOo.

 

[dieselshu]

Class 5 hitch

Did you try Torklift in Kent, WA http://www.TORKLIFT.COM they make awesome hitches.

Not affiliated, just a very satisfied customer.

David

 

[dandlwiley]

We are on the planning process for a 3500 HO with 48RE and don't like the looks of the hitch receiver. Currently have a Reese Titan V on our 1997 2500 CTD. Hitch weight runs about 1100#. More info posted here than we had found--Reese has told us twice "it is under development. " From info we have it seems the standard Class IV on the new trucks is rated at 1200# hitch weight--but that is cutting it close.

 

[MaxTorque]

David thanks for the input. I have a TORQUE LIFT front hitch on my 2001. I called TORQUE LIFT this morning. They told me they currently have a Class 5 hitch for the 2003. It replaces the existing Class 4 hitch that comes on the 3500. To install the rear bumper must be removed and the bed bolts attached to the frame loosened enough to lift the bed and slide the existing hitch off. The existing hitch is formed to fit around the frame and will not drop down as in previous years. They must drill some new holes that presents some warrenty questions. However, TL told me they are installing this hitch for dealers. The published cost for the Class 5 hitch is not cheap $394. Extension bar is $316. They use the double 2x2 bar design. They will install on your truck for an additional $10. (yes $10) Torque lift's no. is 253-854-1832.

 

[dandlwiley]

The search for a class V receiver continues! I spent about 2 hours this morning contacting hitch manufacturers, including Reese again. Was told the business was NOT sold--just a new holding company over them. They will continue as usual. Titan V is in progress--no manufacture date yet. Some hold ups at their manufacturing plant. My husband, meanwhile had sent them another e-mail asking about the hitch--I didn't know about this. Got the reply just a minute ago and here it is:



"We are coming out with a Titan hitch for the 2003 Dodge 3500 PU. It will be part number 45288 and they should be available shortly. Tech Service"



Does having a part # mean we are getting closer?! Torque Lift makes a good hitch, our local hitch installer says, but theirs is a 2" receiver. Our HD Reese trunion hitch with 1400# bars and the adjustable 2. 5" ball mount is only 8 months old--don't want to go through that expense again to drop back to a smaller hitch. We are just barely within specs for the OEM hitch on the 2003--it has a max rating of #1200 according to the Dodge Towing Information on their web site.



Linda (rvlady on the Open Roads Forum)