Hauling trailers weighing more than 10K

[Kirwin]

I picked up a new 03 DRW QC two weeks ago. My (non fifth wheel) trailer weighs 11,500 lbs. In the owners manual it refers to the stock hitch as a class IV hitch and then states that the truck can haul trailers up to 12,000 lbs with a maximum tongue weight of 1,000 lbs. As a long time Dodge diesel owner I know that in previous years Dodge has said that any trailer weighing more that 10K must use a fifth wheel hitch. I haven't found this statement in any of the trucks literature so far. I got around his in the 97 by installing a Draw-Tite ultra frame receiver rated at 12K gross trailer weight and 1200 tongue weight. I don't see anything on the receiver on the new truck as far as ratings. Has anyone reseached this issue and if so what did you find as an answer? With a maximum GCVWR of 23K, I would think that Dodge must have thought of this. Thanks for your help. Ken Irwin

 

[JThiessen]

Get a different hitch installed

When I took delivery of mine, the dealer specifically told me that the factory hitch was NOT rated for anything over 10K. Apparently they have had several issues with customers over-loading the factory hitch.

 

[Ron Bissett]

I think you will have to go to a class five (V) for over ten thousand check with Dodge . LOL Ron Bissett in Louisville Metro KY.

 

[slo-ryde]

13,300 pounds if you have the 3. 73 rear axle, 15,300 pounds if you have the 4. 10 rear axle. From the Dodge website the following: the class IV hitch is rated at a maximum tongue weight of 1200 pounds using weight distributing hitch. However, Dodge also goes on to state fifth wheel or gooseneck configuration for any trailer over 10,000 pounds gross OR more than 1,000 pounds tongue weight.



AND, the exhaust brake is de rigueur for trailers over 10,000 pounds when using manual transmission.



You can find receivers rated for more, the question would be can the frame of the truck handle it?