Hi,

I have a 2005 1500 w/ a 3.92 : It will tow 8500 max.

The factory Class III hitch/step bumper will tow up to 5000 lbs.

My boat with trailer and gas and Beer is about 5300 lbs.

Do you think the small 4 bolt on receiver rated at 6000/600 lbs will be enough: see link

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...eid=2005300689

Or should I go for the Draw-tite Ultra frame for max tow capacity: 12000/1200 lbs : see link

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...eid=2005300587

I only tow this boat about 120 miles each way maybe 15-20 times a year...

Thanks a lot!

 

I would go with the second option where it has more bolts in the frame spread out more like the factory. It will be more stable and little more strength attached.
I have seen the little plates bend and break before.

 

The factory Class IV hitch can tow up to about 9700 lbs with a Hemi and 3.92s

 

I don't have the factory Class IV Trailer Tow package though.

I just have the standard cross-member/step bumper rated at 5000 max. all Rams have this...

and you're s'posed to be under 10-15 percent of max. I believe

tx.

 

I wouldn't tow anything that size using the factory step bumper.

 

I was just stating that even with that after market hitch 9700 is still the limit you can tow with 3.92s and the 5.7. But I agree with the above. If I had the ball bumper hitch I wouldn't bother towing at all unless it was something small but not a boat

 

I have a similar class III to the first draw tite one you posted. Curt, I think. It is rated 6000 lbs which means it is made to tow that all day, every day. It's less weight, money, hassle, and exposed framing than a Class IV. If your drive is mostly on-road, I wouldn't worry about it. Unless you have a long trip involving more than 700 extra lbs of beer.

FYI, It bolts to the tubular frame member in front of the bumper, not just the bumper itself.

 

The OEM class IV receiver is really easy to install. I would definitely recommend that.

 

This is the same set-up that I have. Towed my Built Jeep and trailer to Rausch Creek OF Park several times a year. Other than the hills on 81 North in Pennsylvania, you couldn't tell it was there.
Go with your second option and don't look back.

 

Yeah, i'm leaning towards Ultra frame option.. I got some money for my birthday, and it wont cost that much more to go for the good hitch.

Thanks for all the help on this guys!