Anybody install a Class IV hitch your 1500?

[Potatomafia]

I'm thinking about buying a Class IV hitch for my 2015 1500 Express. I installed the Class III hitch on my old 2010 1500 which just bolts to the last frame crossmember and was super easy to install.

The Class IV bolts to the rear frame rails and looks pretty tight to the spare tire. How bad was the install? Did you have to drop the spare to get the hitch mounted?

Please share your tips/experiences with the Class IV. Thanks.

 

[CVX20]

I just traded my 2015 SLT CC 4X4 in on a 2019 Classic Express.Mine had a class IV hitch and the new one had none.I tried to get them to throw in a hitch as part of the deal and they wouldn't so I said OK I'll keep mine.Salesman said sure go for it.Crawled under to pull it off and realized the rear bumper is bolted to the hitch so without both trucks there I couldn't switch it.Called the salesman and told him the issue.He said they could do it for a price while they were switching my tires over.Yeah kept my tires that I just put on.Anyway after they got it in the air they decided they needed 4 hours labour to do the switch.Some tech was gonna make large on that job.I'd lay money I could do the switch easy in an hour without a hoist.In the end they threw in a Class III hitch and installed it free.That was fine with me the CL III is enough to pull my boat no problem and that's the heaviest I tow with it.

So to answer your question I think it could be done in well less than 2 hours,on the ground and with hand tools.

 

[Loudram]

Here's a video on installing one. My new '19 classic didn't come with one either. I plan on installing one soon. Camping season starts in April.

 

[reek]

I actually had a class V hitch on my express 1500. not that I would haul that much. Just wasn't much more than the IV and gave me a probably unnecessary peace of mind.

 

[Shiva]

In the past I've bought from Uhaul and had them do the installation. The prices have been competitive and they are experts at it. Pretty much all they do. Plus you have the documentation that it was professionally installed should anything go bad in the future.

 

[JayLeonard]

The last 2 hitches I installed were from etrailer.com
Both were Drawtite. I put one on my ex, a 2005 Ram. Instructions said 15 minute install. It took me 20 minutes including gathering all the tools (2 wrenches).
The other was on a 2018 Odyssey, and that took about 30 minutes because we had to lower the tailpipe and cut one of the lower trim panels.

 

[68PowerWagon]

The last 2 hitches I installed were from etrailer.com
Both were Drawtite. I put one on my ex, a 2005 Ram. Instructions said 15 minute install. It took me 20 minutes including gathering all the tools (2 wrenches).
The other was on a 2018 Odyssey, and that took about 30 minutes because we had to lower the tailpipe and cut one of the lower trim panels.

I have purchased a lot from these guys over the last 5 or 6 years. Great customer service & many times have videos of how to install. I would check out their website. Probably the cheapest route & can give you an idea of if you want to tackle the install yourself.

 

[Potatomafia]

Thanks for the replies. For some reason I was thinking that the install would be a lot more involved for the Class 4/5 receivers. Looks like you have to drop the spare regardless. I'm pretty sure I could install this on my garage floor by myself.

Thanks all!

 

[Rado]

I installed a Curt Hitch. Install was easy for me, I paid the shop mechanic to do it lol
But 1 man can do it,but it is heavy so 2 men would be best for install ! Now I have not tried to remove my spare yet but it should not be a issue !

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Ram/1500/2015/41948.html?VehicleID=201523416


https://www.etrailer.com/p-14374.html?hhyear=2015&hhmake=Ram&hhmodel=1500

 

[GsRAM]

Having an extra pair of hands to help hold it until the bolts are in makes the job a whole lot easier. 4 hours for the dealer tech to install one? Total bs even if it was 2 men 2 hrs each.

 

[JayLeonard]

Having an extra pair of hands to help hold it until the bolts are in makes the job a whole lot easier. 4 hours for the dealer tech to install one? Total bs even if it was 2 men 2 hrs each.

I agree but that's not how automotive shops charge. My son owns a pretty big auto repair shop. They charge whatever the book says for standard hours. A competent mechanic can easily log 12-16 labor hours per day.

 

[Rado]

My mechanic did it by himself and it was a pain lol but use a jack I believe to help lift it up ! I was going to do it till I picked up the box , and said to myself Heck no I'll pay to have installed lol

 

[CVX20]

I agree but that's not how automotive shops charge. My son owns a pretty big auto repair shop. They charge whatever the book says for standard hours. A competent mechanic can easily log 12-16 labor hours per day.

I worked flat rate for years so I know how it works.Both trucks on hoists side by side(like they were)one tech could easily do it in an hour.So 2 hours is doubling his time,4 hours is just ****** the cust.So then they try and sell me the Class III. which bolts up to the existing cross member.$350 plus tax and an hour to install.I basically told them no way if I was gonna go that way I could buy one the same for $100 plus tax and install it myself in 10 min.Keep in mind the deal kind of hinged on the truck having a hitch before I left.Who buys a truck without a hitch?Sales finally came through and ate it.

 

[GsRAM]

I agree but that's not how automotive shops charge. My son owns a pretty big auto repair shop. They charge whatever the book says for standard hours. A competent mechanic can easily log 12-16 labor hours per day.

I'm aware of that, its bs regardless. Heavy truck shops are at times, hourly

 

[GsRAM]

I worked flat rate for years so I know how it works.Both trucks on hoists side by side(like they were)one tech could easily do it in an hour.So 2 hours is doubling his time,4 hours is just ****** the cust.So then they try and sell me the Class III. which bolts up to the existing cross member.$350 plus tax and an hour to install.I basically told them no way if I was gonna go that way I could buy one the same for $100 plus tax and install it myself in 10 min.Keep in mind the deal kind of hinged on the truck having a hitch before I left.Who buys a truck without a hitch?Sales finally came through and ate it.

I totally agree. On a half ton truck a class 3 should be standard equipment

 

[CVX20]

I totally agree. On a half ton truck a class 3 should be standard equipment

My 2015 SLT came with a class IV and no controller.My buddies came with a brake controller and no hitch.Sales Manager BS.

 

[Rado]

My 2015 SLT came with a class IV and no controller.My buddies came with a brake controller and no hitch.Sales Manager BS.

My 2015 SLT came with the wiring hook ups in the bumper, But Not hitch and no brake controller :O

 

[GsRAM]

My 2015 SLT came with a class IV and no controller.My buddies came with a brake controller and no hitch.Sales Manager BS.

Agreed clueless dealership people who don't understand what the standard, basic things the end user wants on their products

 

[Potatomafia]

Part of the reason I bought this truck is that there was no factory installed receiver. That and it only had 31k miles on it. Hopefully that means that it wasn't abused. Its always a gamble though...

The previous owner ordered this truck with very specific options. 2wd Express, Hemi, 8speed, 3.92/LSD, upgraded door cards and the optional chrome clad 20s. There are literally no other options - base RA1 and manual HVAC. Somebody wanted a poor man's Sport.

But it is still a truck and every truck needs a tow hitch.

 

[Toddbigboytruck]

Agreed clueless dealership people who don't understand what the standard, basic things the end user wants on their products

Don’t you think it is the factory planners are part of the problem a brake controller no hitch give there head a shake.
I can see it the other way my 18 laramie cam with out a brake controller I had them throw it in on the sale and they did.