Can anyone help me with info on how to remove the factory trailer hitch. I'v got an O4 Ram Quad Cab and seems like all of the bolts holding it on are removed. Are they tack welded? Any help please...

Thanks!

 

I believe the factory hitch is welded on - at least mine is. It's welded to the metal beam that is hidden behind the bumper - but since yours is an 04 it might be a little different. I didn't even notice any bolts on mine.

 

This is making me feel stupid. My hitch has several bolts holding it on. It's the heavy duty black tube factory hitch that wraps around very tight under the bumper. It's only made to put a ball on it. I got a new factory hitch that looks just like it, but it's got the 2in reciever. Both hitches look like they were made to bolt up, no welds. I took the bumper off and have all of the bolts out of the hitch and it's rock solid. I can stand on it or hit with a hammer and get no movment. All I can think is it might be a tac weld? I just can find where?

 

Well I believe that the "add on" factory receiver should just bolt on, I don't think you have to remove the existing parts. It should just be a receiver that attaches underneath. Maybe you got the wrong part? Hopefully someone with more knowledge of the 04's will chime in.

 

I've seen aftermarket hitches that will bolt up to my factory hitch so I know what your are talking about. But, what I purchased is the whole factory hitch. This was off the same year truck, so I know they can be removed and replaced, just have no clue how? It looks so easy, 3 main bolts on each side and it should pull right out. I've got the advantage of having the new one off the truck to see if any other fastener could be out of view, but I see nothing? Hope I can find help on this.

Thanks.

 

I found instructions to install an aftermarket bumper. It says you need to remove the factory tow frame (Hitch) so I know it can be done. It says you need to lift the bed of the truck off the frame 6 inches in the back to remove the factory hitch. What a pain, I guess the bed of the Dodge sits on tabs that hold the hitch in place, even with all the bolts removed. Let's give the guy who designed that one a round of applause.

 

I guess that's why they make the add on receiver that just bolts underneath instead of all that work. At least you don't have to cut any welds! Not sure how much you paid for the part you got, but I think the receiver is about $90.

 

You are correct. I'm ordering one of the aftermarkets that bolt under my hitch today. I just thought it would be cool to have the factory hitch. It fits so clean so all you see is the 2in reciever. I picked this one up cheep from a guy who took it off his truck when it was new. He just forgot to tell me what a pain it is to replace!