How to Determine Towing Capacity for a Hitch on a 2005 Dodge Dakota 2WD Quad Cab
Question:
I have a 2005 Dodge Dakota 2WD Quad Cab. This receiver PN 13229 bolts directly to the frame. The truck bumper indicates a vehicle tow capacity of 2000 lbs/200lb torgue if a hitch ball is attached to the OEM bumper/hitch frame. The tow ball bolts into the same hitch frame that your receiver bolts on to. Why would the receiver have higher towing capacity than the hitch ball when they are both atttached to the same frame member?.
asked by: Danny
Expert Reply:
The Curt Trailer Hitch, item # 13229, is designed and tested for fit and capacity, likewise the Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider have their own towing capacity ratings for the vehicle and bumper. In your case the vehicle attachment point is rated for 2,000 pounds capacity so that will be the maximum rating for your vehicle with the bumper mounted option. You always have to go by the lowest rated item in the towing system for maximum capacity.
If you need more capacity than the bumper mounted hitch will allow, I would recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch, # 13230, which mounts to the vehicle frame. You will need to check the gross towing capacity of your vehicle in the owners manual to determine the maximum capacity of the vehicle with this hitch installed and go with the lowest rated item, the vehicle capacity or hitch capacity.
Some items you may want to consider to complete your Class III towing setup are listed below.
Wiring # 118323
Drawbar # D-4
Hitch Pin and Clip, # PC3
Hitch Ball # 19260 or # 19247
Hitch Lock # e98880
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 800 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Chrome
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Standard Pin Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Chrome
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Flush Pin
- 2-5/8 Inch Span
- etrailer
more information >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 5500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 550 lbs WD TW
- No Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Shop: Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: center console
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: 68149
- Q&A: Adding Brakes to a Mobile Home Axle
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Replacement Trailer Grease Seals for Allis 5013 29772
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: dust cap
- Q&A: 2022 Toyota Highlander Wiring for a 7-Way Blade Connector
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch