2011 power wagon 2500 tow hitch rating

[aquaholic]

anyone know what the factory tow hitch is rated for without the use of weight distribution bars? there's no sticker or stamp on the hitch.

 

[LB3711]

My 2011 ram 1500 came with a class 4 hitch from the factory.


Sent from my AT&T iPhone 4.

 

[aquaholic]

my 2500 power wagon did as well. what seems to be the secret is what this hitch is rated for with and without weight distribution bars. my 2500 avalanche has the rating stamped right on the hitch but for some reason dodge did not. i'de prefer not to kill myself towing a 900/9000lb load on a hitch thats rated for 500/5000 without weight distribution equipment. does dodge not like their clientel? the hitch is apparently ratred for towing 1,010/10.100 lbs however they dont seem to want to let you know if that is with or without weight distribution equipment. i can't see this hitch being a weight distributing hitch judging by its looks but i'de like to confirm that before i throw it in the trash and buy a new aftermarket one.

 

[LB3711]

Trailer Hitch & Towing Charts, Diagrams | Hitch Information

 

[quietpeen]

as far as i know the factory hitch is not a weight distributing hitch. Did you look in your owners manual?

 

[aquaholic]

the owners manual kinda says 1010/10,100 but i say no way. there is no way that factory hitch is weight distributing. i'm thinking more like 500/5000

 

[Captain McGillycutty]

The power wagon hitch is rated at a max of 10,000 pounds.

Ram Trucks - Towing & Payload

 

[aquaholic]

judging by the look of the factory hitch and the fact that it does not appear to be a weight distributing hitch, if you hook a 10k load directly to that factory hitch (without weight distribution bars) you will most certainly NOT live to tell about it. my original question still stands. what is that hitch rated for the way it sits on the truck with a direct load? and the bigger question is why does dodge not have a permanent stamp on it like every other hitch on the planet? this is an example of a "weight distributing hitch". note the ridiculous amount it will tow without weight distribution bars and the shape of the hitch. it goes back into the frame about 3 feet. i'll post the description for the lazy poeple who dont want to check out the link but to see the picture you will have to click on it. http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Dodge/Ram+Pickup/2011/41929.html?vehicleid=2011300589

Specs:

* Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
* Rating: Class IV
o Maximum gross trailer weight: 12,000 lbs
+ Maximum GTW when used with weight distribution: 15,000 lbs
o Maximum tongue weight: 1,200 lbs
+ Maximum TW when used with weight distribution: 1,500 lbs

 

[Captain McGillycutty]

i mean if your towing that much weight you should use a goose neck anyways. i would never tow 10,000 pull behind, especially without sway and dist bars

 

[aquaholic]

absolutely not true. all the gear on my avalanche is rated for 11,000lbs including the hitch ball and i have no problems at all towing 9000-10000 lbs with it. you can safely tow whatever your gear is rated for. i've contacted the engineers at dodge. they are working on getting me the correct rating for the factory hitch.

 

[Captain McGillycutty]

ok well Ive pulled a 8,000lbs hitch trailer with 12 harleys roughly (300-400lbs a piece) in it with swaybars and had no problem. im not trying to say its not possible. yes it can get hectic at times but a goose neck pulls ten times better. This is with my 2011 powerwagon. This truck will pull ten times better v.s. the ave because you have solid front axle and you have larger running gear and the more you weigh. The 4.56 also make it ten times better to tow even with my 35's. Im not saying the truck can not handle it im just saying I beleive it is safer and better on the truck and handling as far as using a goose neck. I use both but if im pulling over 8,000 i like to use my goose neck trailer just because it rides a lot better.