Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie

Question:

I HAVE A 1999 DODGE 1500 Laramie ext cab short bed 4x4 .5.2 motor 3.73 gears ..New automatic transmission and new 10 ply tires and new brakes all around. its never had a trailer hitch on it, and we are looking at buying a 2007 Hideout 27 trailer thats 5200 lbs empty, is my truck safe enough to tow this.. i am having a Class 3 hitch and a brake comtroller on it, thanks Ken

asked by: Kenneth V

999 Dodge 1500 Laramie
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Kenneth from what I researched yes that trailer is going to be too heavy for your 1500. It looks like your Dodge has a 3,500 to 5,200 lb towing capacity so with that trailer being already at the end empty means you're going to be over the limit.

My suggestion is to look at smaller trailers so you don't run the risk of overloading your truck. But with that being said, you're still going to need a hitch no matter what you choose to do, so I'd recommend going with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C15318.

This hitch does have a massive 16K weight capacity but you'd only be able to use 5,200 lbs of it since that's what you top out at, but it's always nice to have extra room in your hitch just incase.

You're also going to need a hitch ball like # TS74FR to to physically be able to tow the trailer, and a 7-way # ETBC7 to make sure you can use the brakes on the trailer if it has it.

expert reply by: Bryce D