Trailer Hitch, Brake Controller and Ball Mount Recommendation for 2017 Ram 1500 w/o Tow Package

Question:

I have a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L hemi 3.9 rear axle ratio without any hitch receiver or tow package. Now we plan to buy our first travel trailer of around 6500lb so what do I need to pull the trailer since I never pulled or towed in my life. I would really appreciate your feedback.

asked by: Sam

Expert Reply:

First thing you'll want is a trailer hitch. For that the Curt hitch part # 14374 is a confirmed fit and would work well. It has a great price and more capacity than needed for the trailer you plan to tow. It can tow up to a 10,000 lb trailer.

For trailer wiring you will need to start with a 4-way (if you do not have one). For that you would want the # C59496.

From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install a brake controller to activate the brakes on the travel trailer. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as well.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup.

Since you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.