Need a new hitch

[MRFost]

Long story short --



Hotrod ran his Trans/Camaro under my truck, and bent my factory hitch (yeah, I got tail-ended).

Although the hitch may not be ruined, I can't trust it, as it might have a cracked weld. I can't risk the liability of towing with the existing hitch.



My question is this -- what's the best heavy duty alternative to the factory hitch? I am looking at the Reese Titan, which is a class V hitch. The caveat to that hitch is that it hangs below the factory hitch. That would reduce the departure angle. Then again, Dodge did such a great job with the gearing on the G-56 transmission/AAM axle combination, I'll probably have to go to larger tires to help with that problem (which raises the truck due to larger diameter). That, of course, would gain me back some of that lost departure angle.



So, has anyone installed the Reese Titan, and how does it look? The factory hitch looks nice the way it's tucked up under the bumper. I can't scare up a photo of one of those Titans, *installed*, online. Maybe somebody has a picture.



I'm all ears to other alternatives as well.



Oh, and I'm looking for an unblemished rear bumper for an '05. He scuffed that too.



Thanks.

 

[MChessick]

I have the Titan V installed under the factory unit on my 2X4 dually. It has been a great receiver, well built and it looks fine. I would get it again if I had to.



Mark

 

[Grizzly]

My 05 was rear ended in which the receiver hitch and the 9" drop insert took most of the impact. There appeared to be no damage to the hitch or the insert. My insurance company and the body shop thought it best to replace them because of possible fatigue which could cause catastrophic failure. The parts were replaced with Original Parts.

 

[Rhinohd]

I just ordered the "Putnam 25211 - Class 5 XDR Hitch". From what the guys on here tell me its the way to go. You do however have to cut the old receiver off the cross member. This is ok with me because I didn't want a second receiver below the old one.





From their website...

Class V – The XDR – Xtra Duty Receiver - the heaviest rated 2" receiver hitch in the industry. The XDR Series Class V receiver hitches can handle the BIG loads... up to 15,000 pounds with 16,000 pound weight distribution and tongue weights up to 1,600 pounds. (As part of the XDR Series, we have produced a complete line of accessories including ball mounts and pintle mounts to help you maximize your towing system. ) The XDR is made for only the toughest SUV’s and pickup trucks on the market today.



* 2" Square Receiver Tube, 5/16 " End Plate, 1/4 " Maintube

* Up to 15,000# Weight Carrying MGTW

* Up to 16,000# Weight Distribution MGTW

* "No Drill" applications available

* Polyshield Finish

* Includes a complete line of accessories

Here is where I ordered from. Putnam 25211 - Class 5 XDR Hitch - Trailer Hitches at Trailer Hitches

Enter in this Promo code and get $15 off "KC-6983". Might only be good until the end of the month. Shipping was $11...

 

[LandShark]

I also switched to a Putnam with similar specs as above, but for about $171 delevered, from Amazon.com. I was looking for a hitch with high tongue capacity.

 

[MFalkinham]

Another vote for Putnam XDR 15k. Southwestwheel.com had the best price. Here's mine welded to OEM receiver.....

https://www.turbodieselregister.com.../179109-putnam-class-v-hitch.html#post1803371

 

[Seafood10]

I have the Titan and it is a Monster, all of the kids in the neighborhood are scared of it because it is so big and mean looking. The cool thing was that it bolted right in, no mods necessary. BTW, I have my factory hitch for sale.....