Highest Rated Hitch Recommendation for a 1997 Dodge Ram 3500

Question:

HI, I am looking for the highest rated received hitch you sell for a 1997 Dodge 4x4 pickup....Diesel dually 3500 series ideally a 2inch received tube I want to tow about 18K ....tongue weight probably about 1800 lbs Thanks!

asked by: Andrew

Expert Reply:

The highest rated hitch we offer for your 1997 Dodge Ram is the Curt Hitch part # C15300. The capacities for this hitch are 2,400 lbs tongue weight and 17k total trailer weight when used with weight distribution. It doesn't look like this hitch would have enough capacity for the trailer you plan to tow unless you can reduce the weight of the trailer by 1,000 lbs or so.

You will need a weight distribution system though. To get the full weight capacity you would need a WD system will be required.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Based on the weights you listed the Blue Ox Sway Pro System part # BXW2000 would work for you. It's tongue weight range is up to 2,000 lbs.

Before you tow your trailer you will want to consult the owners manual of the truck to determine what the towing capacities are and be sure not to exceed this figure as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C