Recommendation To Replace Damaged Factory Hitch on 2012 Ram 2500

Question:

I was recently rear ended in my 2012 ram 2500 hauling a trailer and my factory hitch is bent down. I am needing to purchase a new hitch and would like your recommendation on what I should purchase. From what I saw in one of your answers to another customer I will need to figure out what to do with that bent cross member if its supposed to be there for support to the frame of the truck. Does it matter if I get a 2inch receiver vs. a 2 1/2inch receiver as far as towing capacity?

asked by: Calvin M

Expert Reply:

I am sorry to hear about your recent accident!

To replace the factory hitch I recommend taking a look at the Curt Class V Trailer Hitch # C15409 that will line right up to existing holes in the Ram's frame rails for a no-drill installation and is made right here in the USA. It will provide you with a 2 inch receiver and it features a 17,000 pound towing weight capacity. I have attached an installation video and the written instructions that you can use for reference.

A 2-1/2 inch hitch will indeed feature a higher capacity but it's really not necessary for your Ram as the above 2 inch receiver probably already exceeds the truck's towing capacity. Also assuming the factory hitch on your Ram was a 2 inch model sticking with this size allows you to use accessories you already have without having to add a reducer sleeve or other adapter.

Before removing the existing hitch and installing a new one I do recommend taking your truck up to a local shop to make sure nothing else was damaged on the frame. You will need to make sure that the truck is still capable of handling the weight of a trailer with a new hitch mounted and that nothing else needs to be repaired.

expert reply by: Chris R