Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver Upgrade for 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi

Question

Question:

Hi. I have a 2012 RAM 1500. It has a factory receiver hitch on the back. What rating is this. My trailer will be 6000lbs with a Hitch Weight of 864lbs. Its towed with a weight distribution hitch. What class upgrade do I need and which one is suitable. Thanks

asked by: Andy E

0

Expert Reply:

The factory receiver hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs towing and 500 lb tongue weight. A weight distribution system is recommended for trailers over 5,000 lbs according to the manufacturer's towing guide.

For the tongue weight you desire, you can use a Class III hitch or heigher with a weight distribution system. My suggestion is to go with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Class IV - 2" # 14374 or the Class V options of # C15572 or # 41948. These all have a 2 inch receiver openings and attach to your truck frame on either side for best support. I've attached some videos to assist.

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Class III - 2" # 13333 you asked from will support the weight you need when using weight distribution, but the design won't make it quite as sturdy as the other options. It will get the job done well and is the most economical option.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Answer 1

To install a receiver like the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #14374 your 2017 Ram 1500 you will have to remove the factory rear bumper along with the receiver. The Curt and other aftermarket receivers are designed to fit the factory class III rear…

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Answer 2

All of the aftermarket trailer hitches that we carry for your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Bighorn state that they will not fit with a factory installed hitch, however, this typically refers to the factory hitches that hang below the rear bumper. I have heard…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 7

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 8

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 9

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 10

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 11

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 12

If you are considering Timbrens like the #TDR1500DQ and the SumoSprings like the #SSR-307-47 for your 2022 Ram 1500 4x4, I recommend the SumoSprings #SSR-307-47. The SumoSprings will offer the same quality as the Timbrens in terms of suspension…

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