shortfieldbreak

I know Dodge put Class III hitches on their trucks for a few years, but don't know which years. I'd like to know if mine is Class III or IV. How can I find out which type I have? I have a 2001 3/4 ton.

chuck3

I'm pretty sure its a 3.

phox_mulder

Ya, I was thinking you didn't get a IV unless you specifically requested one, and paid for one as well and it should be listed in the optional equipment sticker in the glove box.

My III is just sitting back there all lonely, I haven't even bought a hitch to stick in it yet, let alone something to pull with it :'(.

phox

pwabbott

I'm a collector of automobile/truck booklets for vehicles for which I have an interest. From my archives I pulled one titled, "1994 Dodge, New Ram Pickup", (Form no, 74-383-9404) 7/93.

On page 36, the Trailer Tow Group includes "Heavy-duty flasher, Class IV trailer hitch receiver,, Seven lead wiring harness, Requires Heavy-Duty Service Group and rear Bumper".

There you have it from the HOSSES MOUTH, the Dodge Boys themselves.

All factory installed hitch on second generation Rams with tow package are Class IV. 8)

dalton4

Most likely a class 4. Look at the sticker on hitch. A class 4 will have a 10,000# tow and 1000# tongue weight limit when used with equalizer bars.<br><br>Jerry<br>

turboblue

SFB<br>Don't hold me to this, but I think you hitch is rated as a Class 3 and 4 depending on your hitch attachments. 5000# tow and 500# tongue weight class 3 and if you use the WD style hitch it is a Class 4. 10,000 tow and 1000# tongue weight. This is only if you use the appropriate attachments. Class 4 has the torsion bar arrangement that takes weight off the tongue and distributes it to the front axle. Check the tag on your hitch to be sure.

thatguy

Ding, Ding, Ding.. Turboblue is the winner in my mind... that is exactly what i think my hitch says.. III or IV depending on what attachments are used..<br><br>

pwabbott

The receiver is rated Class IV it is the equalizer portion completes the Class IV hitch. Since both Classes III &amp; IV have a 2&quot; x 2&quot; draw bar inserting a Class III bar into a Class IV receiver still gives the Class III capacity. Also some 2&quot; x2&quot; receivers are rated Class III. Inserting a Class IV equalizer does not give you a Class IV hitch.<br>Likewise some individuals do not look at the Class Rating of the hitch ball. A Class IV ball must be 2 5/16&quot; in diameter with a shank bolt 1 1/4&quot;, rated 10,000#. A 2 5/16&quot; ball wlith shank bolt of 1&quot; is not a Class IV hitch ball since it is rated for only 6,000#. It will fit a Class III hitch bar.<br><br>The lowest rating of any component determines the capacity of the total system. Class #s, Ratings are given for each component. This is the maximum towing capacity of that component.<br><br><br><br>

chuck3

If mine is a 4 I'd sure hate to see what their 3's look like. Pretty small compared to the 4 I had on my chev.

pwabbott

The hitch on my 2003 is a round tubular design with smooth curves, it appears to be intregal with the rear bumper.

shortfieldbreak

Well, the reason I ask all this is because I was told by a dealer that they switched down to a class 3, but went back to a 4 just a couple years later.<br><br>I suppose I should be asking now specifics on the parts I need to make it a class 4 hitch. Ball is easy enough. Draw bar is easy enough. Where can I find info on the class 4 equalizer? Where exactly does that part go? Any info will be much appreciated.

pwabbott

Shortfield,<br><br>The 1998 Ram had a Class IV Receiver and the 2002 also had a Class IV Receiver with factory tow pkg according to the Ram booklets I have. What may causing the confusion on tow ratings is that there were a couple of model years where there was a recall due to the brackets attaching to the frame breaking. Sub standard material. For the hitch meeting the Class IV standards a reinforcement bracket was installed. My 1998 was part of the recall.<br><br>I asked the dealer who did the recall work if he had seen any broken hitch receivers, he said only one. Said the guy was a contractor who admitted he did not have an equalizer hitch and had heavy equipment on his trailer. (undoubtedly tongue weight over 500# exceeding receiver capacity)<br><br>Contact DC Customer Assistance and ask about your the hitch rellceiver on your truck for &quot;peace of mind&quot;. Good Luck!

shortfieldbreak

Good idea Phil. I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. <br><br><br>Oh yeah, because if I go back, I don't think I'll be able to resist getting a new truck.