Factory receiver hitch max weight

[kbarlow]

I can't find the max towing weight info for the 2003 factory hitch. Can somebody point me in the right direction. I guess I'm suffering from old timers disease.



Thanks Ken

 

[Casey Balvert]

10,000



Casey

 

[jerryrigg]

I'd bet money that it's 10K with a weight distribution only otherwise it is more likely to be 5K...

 

[kbarlow]

OK. But what type of hitch would they expect you to use between 10000 lbs and 12000 lbs where DC requires you to go to a 5er? Crazy Glue?



Ken

 

[Sled Puller]

Mine has taken 40,000 pounds plus for about 3 years now, although it is bent in a "U" at the moment, but never broke!



I have seen one ripped clear in half-but that was an extreme case.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Originally posted by kbarlow

OK. But what type of hitch would they expect you to use between 10000 lbs and 12000 lbs where DC requires you to go to a 5er? Crazy Glue?



Ken

I am sure that there is fine print at DC somewhere that says "Chyrsler recommends not to use Krazy Glue" but it probably won't void your warranty cause you ain't making a hole in the frame. Only kidding. I would guess you would have to go to a different after market Class IV receiver rated for 12,000.



Casey

 

[BV]

If it helps any

I remember reading in my 99 owners manual that any more then 10000 needed to be on a 5th wheel type hitch.

 

[DiTrani]

Reese and Putnam make class 5 hitches that can go 12,000 without WD. Truck would probably be a bit squirrely with 1200# of tongue weight though...

 

[RCook]

I tow a triple-axle boat trailer that weighs 11,500 to 12,000 depending on how much fuel is aboard, using the factory hitch (replaced under the recall with a new one which also has the braces added). The original did start to develop some cracking.



Tongue weight was carefully adjusted to 900-950 by changing axle position, and the truck tows quite well. No weight distribution gear. Truck has camper group installed, and Rancho 9000's.



I watch the replaced one carefully, and after maybe 25K miles towing the boat on the replacement hitch there's no apparent problem. If it ever looks like it's even starting to fail I'll be replacing it with a heavier-duty one, but so far so good.

 

[kbarlow]

Thanks Guys i have the info now.



Ken