Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2003 Dodge Dakota
Question:
Id like to buy a hitch for my Dakota but dont know the plus and minus of the various options that are all about the same price. Can you help me narrow down the decision? I want one that is the simplest to install without losing any strength. Thanks,
asked by: Tom N
Expert Reply:
I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2003 Dodge Dakota and it looked like the max towing capacity for your pickup when equipped with a Class III trailer hitch is 5,000 lbs. Since all of the trailer hitches available for your pickup are Class III with a max rating of 5,000 lbs (500 lbs tongue weight) and similar install difficulty (per the manufacturers) it really boils down to style.
The 2 trailer hitches that are easiest to install are the Curt # C13280 and the etrailer # e53AR. I recommend going with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e53AR.
If you still need a trailer wiring plug for your pickup then I recommend the Tekonsha T-One # 118329 for a 4-Way as it is the most reliable wiring out there. Then for a 7-Way connector, for a brake controller like the Prodigy P3 # 90195, you would need to install the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. The No-Drill Bracket # 18136 can be used to easily attach the 7-Way to the Draw-Tite trailer hitch. Installation videos have been linked for all of these parts for you to reference.
Then if you don't already have a ball mount/hitch ball I have linked our selection of ball mounts and hitch balls for you to filter through as well as a helpful article on how to choose the correct one for your application.
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 >
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 4 Round
- 5 Round
- 6 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- 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
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - 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
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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