We purchased our 2005 Dodge Ram used back in 05. But I didn’t realize at the time that there wasn’t a receiver mount on the back.

Is there a way to identify what makes the tow package by the VIN? The owner’s manual is out of a ’03 and doesn’t mention anything.

There is the tow bar from the frame to under the rear bumper, it’s just missing the reciever mount base. I’m going to get one of the base’s from autoanything.com. I’m thinking it HAS the tow package even though NO tow mount.

Thanks, H-

 

From my purchase of a '08 with tow package I remember it included a higher amp battery and a 7 pin (?) wiring harness connector. I don't think there is anything in the VIN which is tow package related - although I could be wrong.

 

Are you talking about the hitch that fits into the receiver? (square tube that the ball mounts to?)

 

There's nothing in the VIN that tells you if you have the tow package or not, but the tow package includes a larger battery, 7 pin wiring harness, and the 2" square Class IV receiver. Obviously the easiest thing to spot is the receiver... If you don't have that, you don't have the tow package. I've heard from several people that all the trucks have the bar under the rear bumper making it a Class III if you put a ball on your bumper. Dodge makes a receiver that you can bolt on so you can use standard 2" ball mounts, but that doesn't make it the same as a truck with the tow package... You would still need to upgrade the battery and add a 7 pin harness. You can get the receiver that is made specifically for your truck from Dodge. I don't know if the Autoanything one is the same or not.

 

750 Amp hr battery
7 pin harness for trailer (mine is in the bumper)
Class IV receiver hitch. (under bumper)
The ball mount insert that goes into the receiver hitch does not come with the truck.

The hitch is rated @ 5000lbs with standard hitch and 12,000 with a weight distributing hitch.
I have this one http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

The towing package was $405 option in 2008.

 

When I purchased my 08, part of tow package is an auxillary transmission cooler in addition to the bigger battery and 7 pin plug

 

That's the class III hitch that every ram comes with...the $90 receiver bolts to the bottom and makes it a class IV. If there's no receiver then you definitely don't have the tow package.

 

i went to the dealer and bought the hitch that attaches to the bottom of the bumper/frame to be able to put the reciver and ball in... it took like 20 mins it install by my self. this is the link to what i bought http://www.mopar-accessories.com/en-...=3055&pc=10364

 

shouldnt you just have a button on the shifter that says tow/haul mode?

 

That just changes the shift points of the transmission. I think every Ram has that.