Update: I bought the hitch from Dodge, turns out not to be the one in the pic but a much heavier duty hitch than either of the reese hitches. I did just what you are saying here. the spare has alot of flexibility in where it tightens up under the bed, took it down, installed the hitch, raised the spare. all is well.

as for why a class 3 and not a class 4, kinda a lost point considering that the truck is only rated at #5000 towing capacity with the towing package (which I obviously don't have), so a class III is fine for what I need.

thanks for all of your input

 

take a pic of it is it a frame hitch or a bumper?