Cracks in the Dodge equalizer hitch receiver.

[dodgeguy44]

I just looked at my factory hitch on my truck and found the dreaded cracks right where the uprights bend a 90 to go under the bottom frame rail.



Who makes a good hitch to replace these that will handle the rated capacity of a dually?

 

[Whiskey]

I believe that there was a recall for that do a search, Hope this will help You.

whiskey

 

[Hoefler]

DC had a recall on the factory receiver a few years back. My dad had a new one installed by the dealer and they installed additional braces with it.

 

[Bloomy]

check out the Putnam class V XDR. Good ratings and good price. I have one. It has worked well for towing and sled pulling.



Thomas

 

[Thomas]

Safety Recall #872 (thanks Dave Fritz): http://dodgeram. info/tsb/recalls/872.htm

Ditto on the Putnam class V XDR.

 

[GAmes]

Sure wish I hadn't trashed my old receiver after it cracked. I'm the original owner and never got a recall notice. Look at me rushing down to buy another new truck from DC.

 

[Thomas]

... I'm the original owner and never got a recall notice...

Perhaps that's because Safety Recall #872 does not apply to model year 1997.

 

[HBarlow]

I also experienced severe cracks on both sides on my '01. I purchased a Putnam from Southwest Wheel. It handled extreme abuse in daily towing, some very heavy, all without spring bars.



Harvey

 

[BigFun]

Reese makes a class 5 receiver that is two and a half inchs. Monster receiver called the Titan. Had one on my 01 with a 48 inch extension bar to tow my trailer behind the camper. Direct bolt on. It will certainly handle the capacity of the dually. No issues at all for me.


BF

 

[GAmes]

Perhaps that's because Safety Recall #872 does not apply to model year 1997.

It lists the receivers from 94-98

 

[Nate]

I have a Putnam XDR... It's a cheap piece of Chinese made crap. I'm not sure how it's rated Class V even... the part where the ball mount goes in is thinner than a class III hitch.

 

[SKargo]

It lists the receivers from 94-98

Read it again, it only covers 98-02.

 

[Bob4x4]

Read it again, it only covers 98-02.

That's right 98-2000,broken down further by production date.



Bob

 

[DPelletier]

I was recently shopping for the strongest hitch available for my truck and ended up with a Torklift Superhitch. www.torklift.com

Just bring lots of $$$$$$$'s



Dave

 

[GaryOwen]

Looks like the hitches were installed on 94 to 00 models, but only recalled on the 98 to 00 models. My 95 cracked and had to be replaced also. Wonder why they only recalled the 98 to 00 years? I know several 94 to 97 owners that have had the hitch crack.



Still have the remnants of my hitch in my scrap metal pile for future projects.

 

[Bloomy]

I have a Putnam XDR... It's a cheap piece of Chinese made crap. I'm not sure how it's rated Class V even... the part where the ball mount goes in is thinner than a class III hitch.

Nate, have you had problems with yours? Just curious. I haven't had any problems as of yet and the hitch seemed to be fairly stout.



Thomas

 

[Whiskey]

That's right 98-2000,broken down further by production date.

Bob

If it were me I would take it back to the dealer, you might just get it replaced if you go about it a nice way. #ad
#ad

 

[Nate]

Yes and no.



The problem I've had is the hole where the ball mount goes in is larger than normal, which makes the receiver fit VERY sloppy. I took the same Putnam adjustable ball mount and put it in the class III on my Jeep and also the stock hitch and it fits fine with a normal amount of slop.



Also the adjustable ball mount is cheaply built and VERY sloppy as well. I had a thread on here and a few people were concerned enough with the angles on this that I was told to get something else.



The whole setup IMO seems cheapy made. Like Harbor Freight tools... they sort of look like the real thing, but you can tell they aren't.



I guess what can you expect when the hitch, ball mount and ball cost less than a real hitch though, huh?

Nate, have you had problems with yours? Just curious. I haven't had any problems as of yet and the hitch seemed to be fairly stout.



Thomas

 

[Bloomy]

The larger receiver is actually one of the reasons I went with the Putnam. The stock receivers on my last two trucks were so rusted and tight that it was a fight to get the ball mounts in and out. Never tried the adjustable mount.



Thomas

 

[Todd T]

I just took a 17 month old Reese Titan class V off my truck in preperation to sell the truck. I'd make you a good deal on it.