I have a 2003 2500 4WD 5.7 Hemi. Heavy Duty Towing package came with the truck 9.25 front axle, upgraded cover/fluid, 10.50 rear axle with upgraded cover/fluid. Installed 7500# airbags. and a few other things. I have a class IV hitch. 10,000 pounds on a hitch and says up to 12,000 on a sway bar hitch. My question is if I was to install a class V hitch, would I be able to get away with towing 12K-13K pounds at random? I am not looking to do it all the time, but at random. Regular towing, I am like 8,800 fully loaded.

 

What weight is the truck rated for? That's the number that is important. Doesn't matter if your hitch is rated to pull it, if the truck can't control it....... you can get yourself in serious trouble.

 

You can do as you please. That truck will haul that weight without question, it won't like it, but it will pull it. ClassV hitches vary depending on manufacturer, 12-14k lbs is common with a tongue weight limit of like 1.2-1.4k lbs. The problem might be the ball/receiver, the typical 2in receiver with 2 in ball rates at like 6k lbs and maybe 1k tongue weight max. You would like a 2 1/2 receiver with a 2 5/16 ball and trailer brakes. You likely need a 5th wheel. In the event of real trouble any lawyer would have no trouble burying you for overloading your truck/hitch/trailer.

 

This is a fair statement. Some honest feedback and knowledge. I would not be going far, but do appreciate the insight.