Since when did Dodge Stop installing the Rear receiver hitches from the factory?

[roperteacher]

Hey there guys/gals. I just traded in my 04. 5 for a 2006 3500 SRW Quad cab Long bed. I was surprised to find out today that my truck didn't come with a rear receiver hitch from the factory. Doesn't matter to me much, I pull a gooseneck trailer only but my 04. 5 had it already from the factory!! I remember because I put a Dodge Ram receiver hitch cover on it!!!

 

[ScottLewis]

My '06 Laramie 2500 has a receiver.



Dan

 

[KSears]

was part of the tow package option on my 05

 

[seemore]

I don't think they were ever STANDARD from the factory. I'm pretty sure the hitch was part of the TOW Package option.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Ditto, you only get the hitch if you order the tow package. As I recall without the tow package you'll also have to provide your own wiring if you want to tow.

 

[Brock]

mine came with the factory installed receiver hitch and wiring hookup... ... someone is feeding you a line of crap if you paid for the TOW PACKAGE.

 

[gitchesum]

My 97 dually didn't have a factory hitch.

 

[Bachant]

My 97 2500 and 06 2500 both have the tow package which has the hitch. I don't think the hitch is standard equipment.

 

[Nate]

I don't understand why a person would buy a diesel truck... and not use it to pull a trailer. I could see a 1/2 ton truck not coming from the factory with a hitch, but a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel. . what else are you going to use it for?

 

[wcjp]

I think they're standard on the Mega. Can't see why any 3/4 or 1ton wouldn't come with it. Should be one available from guys upgrading to the Torklift or Titan.

 

[KSears]

mine came with the factory installed receiver hitch and wiring hookup... ... someone is feeding you a line of crap if you paid for the TOW PACKAGE.

Part of the THUNDEROAD PACKAGE is the tow package as is the sliding rear window, upgrade wheels, etc. , so you paid for it too whether you know it or not,,no slam intended...

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Brock, sorry you are wrong. Tow package is an option. No Dodge truck comes with a hitch standard, at least not since I can remember.



They SHOULD come with it, but they don't...

 

[roperteacher]

Thanks everyone!! I talked to my guys that are putting in the gooseneck hitch. They say they do this wiring stuff all the time and not to worry. SO tomorrow they are going to install everything. THanks again!!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

You can get a very strong hitch integral with the Reunel rear bumper. Then you also have a bumper that can be bumped without collapsing.

 

[staarma]

Thanks everyone!! I talked to my guys that are putting in the gooseneck hitch. They say they do this wiring stuff all the time and not to worry. SO tomorrow they are going to install everything. THanks again!!

I don't care how great they think they are at wiring. I would make them use the Mopar factory wiring harness, especially on an 06.

 

[Grizzly]

Dodge isn't going to give anything away. If you want the tow package, you have to order it. Same thing with ford and chevy. Heck, I can remember a time when if you didn't order a rear bumper and a spare tire, you didn't get them, (71 Ford F-250).

 

[Rick@TAD]

The tow package is a factory option on all but the Mega Cab 3/4 and 1 tons (not standard on 1/3 tons). Factory code is "AHC". If you have that package, the wiring is standard with a round 7 receiver to plug into.

A lot of dealers do not order AHC with the truck to offset the fact they are selling close to invoice now... its a way to make a few extra bucks. A big dealer in Kellogg is famous for that. You get the truck cheap but it's the extras that get you and they do not wire according to factory specs.

You need that overlay harness so your headlight switch doesn't overheat.

The Thunderroad package and others do include a tow package but it is still an option and never has been a standard feature. Dodge has stated the reason it is an option is some buyers only use it for 5th wheel/gooseneck purposes and do not want the pull tow package.

If you do by a truck without the tow package, check to see if it has "ADJ" or "NMC". These are the engine/transmission cooling packages necessary for towing.

Safe driving all and Merry Christmas.

 

[roperteacher]

Would these Engine and transmission cooling packages come standard on a 3500?? Thats why I didn't care that this new 06 didn't have the receiver hitch or the full towing package ( A 275. 00 option). All of my truck before this had the receiver hitch and it was never used once. I pull a gooseneck. I went to the dealer yesturday to inquire about the MOPAR wiring harness, etc and they said that would have to be aftermarket. I guess there are several aftermarket add ons that work well with these new trucks, thanks for the advice everyone!!! I need to stay away from these boards. . LOLOL I am a big worry wart. I am sure the guys will have it done and ready for me! thanks!

 

[LEPage]

I don't care how great they think they are at wiring. I would make them use the Mopar factory wiring harness, especially on an 06.

That's a fact... All these so called professional installers are a bunch of cobblers, in nearly ten years I've never had a good experiance at a RV shop. If not the factory harness, use the Hoppy that plugs into the harness, do NOT let them use those wire taps under the truck, they're junk!

 

[roperteacher]

Just as a quick update. The hitch was installed nicely as usual and the wiring they did works just great. I believe they used a draw-tite hitch ( Gooseneck) and also a draw tite brake box. All works very nicely and the rig went to it's first rodeo and pulled my big LQ horse trailer like it wasn't even there. All the signals work beautifully. Whatever they did it is working. Origionally the left turn signal wasn't working but the right ones were. Called the dealer to get the flash and my serive writer said to clean the trailer plug first, then re-try it. . SUre enough, both turn signals. didn' t need to take it in. . Oo.