Recently purchased my 05 Dkota quad cab, 4.7L, used with 15k on it. I believe it was a rental. It appears to have the trailer-tow options as it has the Tow-Haul button on the shifter, and it also has "half" of a hitch underneath. That is where my question comes in...

The hitch looks like some type of class-III, but does not have a "box" type receiver. It butts up directly onto the bumper, and the hole for a ball seems pretty small. Now I have seen on different websites a bracket type mount that might install directly onto the exsisting hitch.
The bumper claims to have a tow capactiy of 2500 lbs or so. I wondering if I add on this receiver thing, will it increase my tow capacity? I would hate to have to rip out the factory hitch only to install an aftermarket class -III.
Hopefully this post was not too confusing as I know of no other way to explain this. I've included a pic of the hitch I'm speaking of.

[IMG]local://upfiles/31863/DF591CCE66654D9189ABB4965EE3270C.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/31863/459FC13D08A04AE0AF854716025CF253.jpg[/IMG]

 

I would say that......if that hitch mounts to the rear bumper ONLY, then it will not increase your towing capacity, as it is still apart of the bumper, however, if any other part of that hitch connects to your factory hitch you speak of, or the frame, then it should be able to handle whatever it is rated for.

 

That's what I figured. I was just curious to see if other Dakotas had the same set-up. I'm thinking that maybe b/c it was a rental, they removed the reciever.

 

I also have a 2005 QC with the V-8 which was bought used. I also have the Tow/Haul button and what a buddy of mine called a "bumber hitch" I am guessing that it is a Class 1 hitch which is rated for about 2K lbs.

My father in law is borrowing the truck right now so I can't go out and look, but the picture you have below does not look familiar.

The towing package comes with the following:

7-Pin Wiring Harness
750-Ampere Maintenance-Free Battery
Auxiliary In-Tank Transmission Oil Cooler
Heating Element for the Exterior Mirrors
Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
Heavy Duty Service Group
Class IV Hitch Receiver
6" x 9" Power Multi-Function Fold-Away Mirrors
Power Steering Cooler

 

Daks that came w/ tow pkg have a Class IV Hitch Receiver which is rated for 7k for the non 4X4 and 6,850 for the 4X4.

I think you have a class 1 hitch which is rated for 2k.
What eles do you have for tow options do you have the 7 pin & 4 flat hook ups & the electric brake harness under the dash..

This is what under my bumper it's a ****ty pic so I outlined the contours of it so you could see it.

Blu_

 

Pic

 

Here's the Class III hitch that I purchased for my '05 Dakota Quad Cab. It did not come with a tow package so there's no wiring. It did have the Class I bumper hitch. This will increase your tow capacity to 5000lbs without a equalizer kit and to 7000lbs with. You do not have to remove the existing hitch. The new hitch fits right up underneath it. I did have to take it to UHaul to get the holes drilled as I didn't have the right tools.

http://www.hitchsource.com/product_i...ducts_id=27293

Cody
Chandler, AZ

 

That is exactly what I have under the back of my truck, minus the reciever and light connections. I modified your pic to show what it is exactly I have. If you look in the part I circled, you can see the hole in the bumper. Directly underneath that hole is where the hitch butts-up against the bumper. That must create a higher towing cap than simply a bumper hitch alone. But still, I want the actual receiver installed.
I still need to check to see if there is a wiring harness under my dash.
I think I'm gonna throw in the towel and bring it to Uhaul or somebody. New is always better!




[IMG]local://upfiles/31863/9DC578927A364C5A83652B4AB634F44F.jpg[/IMG]

 

You won't find the wiring hookup under the dash unless the truck came with the tow package. Installed my hitch and am having UHaul install the wiring this Saturday.

Cody
Chandler, AZ

 

Cody:
I find it kinda funny how it says on the link to your hitch it says "NO DRILLING REQUIRED" yet when you open up the instructions it says step "3 . Drill center punched holes...." [sm=bangbang.gif]
I'm wondering if its just not worth all the hastle and getting the kit from the dealer as i have a v8 with the tow/haul button but no hitch and would like to get one as dad has a tent trailer that he doesnt use that i'd love to go campin in