How to set up for towing

[ramhacker]

New RAM owner here. I'm not new to trucks, but I used them professionally and they already had tow equipment installed. I have a 4x4 RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab with the 3.6L V6. Right now, it does not have a hitch receiver other than there's about a 2 1/4" hole that goes through the bumper and into the steel frame that presumably is for a hitch ball to be dropped into.

However, I've also seen folks with a hitch receiver mounted underneath the bumper to the frame (bolted at multiple locations). I have a few questions:

1. Is the current hole going through the bumper a reliable way to tow?

2. Are there limitations on what size hitch ball I can use there and/or tongue weight?

3. Is it a better idea to get a full hitch receiver installed? If so, any recommendations?

4. The truck currently doesn't have tow hooks installed. If I needed to be pulled out, is there any strong spot near the front I could wrap a recovery rope or tow strap around? If not, which tow hooks would you recommend for this truck?

Thank you.

 

[crash68]

The hole in the bumper is rated for 500 tongue weight and 5K lbs max, it's rating is moulded in the plastic near the hole. The problem with the hole in the bumper is it's not adjustable height wise. Bumper damage can occur if the trailer is too short or too sharp of turns are made.
There is a Class III receiver hitch available for your truck, even with 3.55 gearing in the truck it will exceed what the truck can tow.
https://www.curtmfg.com/part/13333
There are also Class IV hitches available if you want something beefier.
As for front tow hooks, there are OEM ones that you might be able to find in the classified section of the forum. Or contact Benny at AllMoparParts.com in the vendor section.

 

[VernDiesel]

You can also sop etrailer.com

 

[dhay13]

I wouldn't tow my lawn mower with a bumper hitch but that's just me. I'm sure it would be fine doing it. If you are going to be towing often or pushing the 5000lb limit then I would add a bolt on hitch. They should also make a pigtail to wire up a plug for trailer lights. Check etrailer.com. I have bought a few things from them and their service and prices are good.

 

[ramhacker]

The hole in the bumper is rated for 500 tongue weight and 5K lbs max, it's rating is moulded in the plastic near the hole. The problem with the hole in the bumper is it's not adjustable height wise. Bumper damage can occur if the trailer is too short or too sharp of turns are made.
There is a Class III receiver hitch available for your truck, even with 3.55 gearing in the truck it will exceed what the truck can tow.
https://www.curtmfg.com/part/13333
There are also Class IV hitches available if you want something beefier.
As for front tow hooks, there are OEM ones that you might be able to find in the classified section of the forum. Or contact Benny at AllMoparParts.com in the vendor section.

Ok thank you! So last question I have is I notice on https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2017_Ram_1500.htm there are 2 types. Both say they are "Class III". The first type looks like a very simple bolt-on that may only take a few minutes, whereas the second, which I believe you linked to, is much wider and has more bolt points. I did see the weight rating is significantly higher with the second, but it's actually 3,000lbs higher than the truck's tow rating anyway. I've attached a photo of the bar currently on there:
https://imgur.com/lICOmhq

I assume the cheaper ones bolt onto this?

 

[Mcgruff]

This seems to answer your question pretty well:
https://www.etrailer.com/question-68707.html

For the front recovery hooks, you can order new ones from Amazon or many other places. Just also get the plastic trim pieces that go around them. Cheaper option is to go to the junk yard. Especially if you have a "Pull-A-Part" type place nearby. They're easy to remove/install. Get the hooks, the plastic trim and all the bolts you take out.

 

[Cardhu]

Buy the class 4 hitch, It will be sufficient for anything you would want to hook up to and still retain the 2 inch receiver.

https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2017_Ram_1500.htm?fUrl=-pt-Class_IV
same link with filter