Odd Receiver Angle

[sgtryanusmc]

What is this crap? I've towed a couple things very few times: 15' Aliner pop up, 12' utility trailer, 16' Enclosed trailer - nothing crazy. This certainly doesn't look right. The receiver appears to be, at least, 20 degrees less than level. I got on the creeper and had a look and couldn't find anything broken or loose. The bed extender for my kayak shows this angle well. Also, the receiver does have some up and down flex. I'll be taking another look tonight. Additionally, I leveled the front 2.5" w/ coil springs but I don't think that would do this.

This isn't right, right? I'm not towing anything other than my kayak on a jet ski trailer til I figure it out.

Any help or insight is greatly appreciated; I did take a minute to look around the forum but came up empty-handed.

2014 RAM 1500 5.7L CC 2WD

 

[GrumpyOleMan]

You said there was some play, where does the play come from?
and does the extender fit snug in the receiver?

Semper Fi'

 

[sgtryanusmc]

The play is up and down and seems minor... or could be a huge indicator. The extender was a little loose and I bought a gizmo that tightens it up which did correct that part.

Oorah back

 

[McBroom]

Even with the slack removed due to the added length of the extension it’s still gonna have some tilt to it. A thicker cross pin could possibly help.
SEMPER FI Marines
I retired in 2K.


I love my truck!
Blue Mule 18 Ram 4x4 C/C
Tradesman Power Wagon

 

[GrumpyOleMan]

If it was me, I would be most concerned with any sort of play. I would have it looked at to ensure your receiver isn't loose at all. Most hitches do not fit super snug or they wouldn't slide in real easy. But if the receiver moves, I would be worried.

 

[Damion]

it almost looks as if the bolt that goes from the receiver to the bumper has loosened or isn't there.

 

[sgtryanusmc]

it almost looks as if the bolt that goes from the receiver to the bumper has loosened or isn't there.

There is no bolt going vertically thru the bumper into the receiver.... never was one.....

 

[Damion]

There should be......

 

[sgtryanusmc]

F. 'Well theres your problem'... ****. Anybody got a P/N?
Thanks for your help guys.

 

[Arth]

F. 'Well theres your problem'... ****. Anybody got a P/N?
Thanks for your help guys.

Depends if it was a factory installed hitch or not.

Factory hitch would be class 4 and no bolt there but lots on the frame.

After the fact would be class 3 and then there would be a bolt there.

Where are you in Florida?

 

[Arth]

F. 'Well theres your problem'... ****. Anybody got a P/N?
Thanks for your help guys.

Looking closer at your first picture that looks like a class 3 possibly so you are missing the top bolt. I don't know if a part exists for just the bolt because it comes part of the kit to add the hitch.

 

[sgtryanusmc]

Bought new with the receiver on it in 15. I'm in Navarre which is between Destin and Pensacola.

 

[crash68]

Look on the backside of the receiver for nuts/bolts, the add-on Class III that requires the bolt through the top. I doubt you would have been able to get far towing anything without the top bolt in the Class III, and it supposed to get torqued in over 100 ft/lbs
The factory Class IV is all welded.

 

[Arth]

Bought new with the receiver on it in 15. I'm in Navarre which is between Destin and Pensacola.

Yeah I know exactly where you are. I am in Pensacola. I am headed the wrong way today or else I'd let you compare with mine.

I am headed to Mobile to pick up a 20 ft trailer.

 

[sgtryanusmc]

I'm a *******.... I remember what happened. I tried to put a ball on there years ago. I dont think I ever towed with that bolt installed. I did find the bolt but not the washers. Gonna look for some at the hardware shop and check the torque on all the other bolts....

 

[Tumbleweed]

Thanks for owning up to your forgetfulness. We've all done things and then forgot about them.
I'm glad it wasn't a big deal.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Put a draw bar in the receiver and jack up on the draw bar to help lift the receiver back up into place. That will create much greater force than simply using the bolt to try to lift the receiver.
Good Luck and keep us informed as to the before and after results.

 

[sgtryanusmc]

Got the bolt back in with a fat grade 8 washer. I'm not sure I would have figured it out w/o yall. Caring people, great advice, and no ********. That's what it's all about. Thank you all very, very much.
I don't have the step-up's or extensions to check the other bolts right now but I sure will before I go hauling any significant load.
Yall absolutely rock! Happy Fathers Day! SO HAPPY to have figured this out and get it corrected. Now to go un'f other (not RAM) things.

 

[sgtryanusmc]

After

 

[NoveskeFan]

Looks like you have the dealer installed class 3 hitch:



I have the same on my 2017.


The factory installed class IV replaces the rear cross member with: