What's with this factory hitch?????

[kompressor]

Just got around to looking at the factory hitch on my new '04 and discovered it is only rated for 5000lbs. What a light weight. I guess this is another cost saving feature that we pay more for. The hitch on my '98 was rated for 10,000lbs.

 

[lmills]

most hitches are rated 5,000 standard and 10,000 with a weight distributing set up. I am sure your old one was the same way. I know my 01 was

 

[XcumminsX]

how can i take my factory hitch off? i dont want it

 

[JNutter]

My bumper says it's rated for 5000 lbs, but I don't see any rating info on the reciever hitch itself. Were you reading the label on the bumper, or does your hitch have a rating label on it?



My window sticker says that the tow package included a class IV reciever hitch and a 7 pin harness. The owners manual (2003) says the class IV hitch is good for 12,000 lbs depending on your vehicle's equipment (page 241).



Did they change this for 2004?

 

[Casey Balvert]

The factory hitch is good for 12,000 pounds when used with a weight distributing hitch. I don't believe you can remove the factory hitch. But I may be wrong. Too cold to crawl under there tonight.



Casey

 

[lawdog1]

I would check the owner's manual. I think there is a supplement or addendum to the manual that lists the hitch rated at 12K and it does not mention the requirment of weight distribution. The factory hitch is a class 4 hitch. That said weight distribution is always a good idea for heavy loads... Unless you plan on installing a class 5 like the Titan hitch, you should have all the hitch you need from the factory. Check the manual and addendum.

 

[Prairie Dog]

You can't remove the factory hitch because it's also a cross member and Casey is correct, it is indeed rated for 12000 bls.



Scotty

 

[stick]

The factory hitch is removeable, but you have to pull the bumper off to get it out!



Stick

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

Yet another case of READ THE BOOK and get your facts straight... ... ... ... .

 

[Khood]

I removed my hitch to install a different type. You do have to remove the bumper but also you'll have to raise the bed up 3

or 4'' to lift it out of notches in the frame. To loosen the bed there are either 4 or 6 bolts accessible thru holes in the bottom of frame. I believe by design it also is there to strengthen the frame.

You could just cut the bolt flanges off and weld a straight length

of pipe between.