Will the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Install on a 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab With Spare Tire

Question:

I am looking for a class III reciever hitch for a 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. I do not want to relocate the spare tire. Will the part # C 13145 fit this vehicle and allow the spare tire to stay in the factory location? Does the hitch have a straight draw bar or is it bent out around the spare tire? Is drilling required for installation of this hitch on the 2001 Dakota quad cab?

asked by: Todd J

Expert Reply:

You can install the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch, # C13145, on your 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab without having to relocate the spare tire as long as it is a factory size spare tire and not aftermarket. This hitch does not require any drilling for installation either. The installation instructions that I have attached mention drilling some bolt holes on the underside of the frame, but that is only for older generation models, not for your truck. You should have all bolt holes pre-drilled on the frame of your truck. The only note that the installation instructions give is that the exhaust hanger may need to be repositioned.

The cross member of this trailer hitch is bent slightly downward, but this is to provide additional clearance between the top of the receiver and your trucks bumper, not for spare tire clearance.
To complete the tow set up on your truck, you may also want to pick up the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit, # 989900, and the wiring harness, # 118329. The ball mount kit comes with two different size hitch balls and two ball mounts to accommodate for different size trailers. I have attached an installation video and instructions for the wiring harness as well.

expert reply by: John H