So as of this weekend, I'm new to dodge and new to the CTD. Sold my 03 ford V10. I got the factory tow package and receiver. I towed my 18 foot car trailer with my jeep on it with out a weight distributing hitch for the last two years with my Ford. As I have been reading on this site it looks like I now need a weight distributing hitch to tow my nearly 7000lb trailer. The numbers I've seen so far show a 5000 lbs carrying capacity or a 10000 lbs weight distributing capacity. My new manual only states a 12200lbs capacity. What gives? Do I now need the WD hitch. I would rather not go that route as I will only have the tag trailer about 6 more months and then will be going gooseneck. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Kevin

 

With the dual wheel one ton setup you will be able to handle that little trailer with ease
You won't even know that it behind you.

 

mikelr thanks for the quick reply, but I think I should clarrify. My fear is not will the truck be able to do it, but the factory receiver hitch. There are no stamped weight ratings on the hitch itself. My fear is that it is only rated for 5000lbs with out the WD hitch. Hopefully someone may be able to point me in the right direction. Thanks

Kevin

 

mikelr. I just saw your sig with the Alcoas. I have plans on doing a similar setup. Do you have any pics of your truck. Thanks

 

If you want to follow the manufacturers recommendations than yes you should use a WD set up on your hitch. But I'm sure you'll get by fine without one, especially since it will only be for a short time anyway. I've pulled many trailers of that wieght or more off of the factory hitch without a problem.
Sorry don't have any photo's of the Alcoas on the truck yet (only got them a few weeks ago), I'll try and snap a few pics and post them to my sig

 

I doubt Dodge would put a class III reciever on a 3500 truck. They might, but I doubt it.

 

Who said that they did? Kledder never stated what class hitch was on his truck. I believe that they come with a class IV.

 

5000# load capacity is Class 3.

Oh, I mis read that... I thought he said is was a 5000# capacity.

nvr mind...

 

Just remember, the posted weight ratings have a huge safety factor figured in. You can push them a little.

 

Jeez, I pulled that much weight (one car trailer loaded) all over the place with my Ranger, on the bumper. Hook it up and go.

 

I pull my Jeep on a car hauler loaded down with tools and other stuff......I'm definately over the 7000 lb GTW and I have done so for years with the factory class 4 hitch without the WD hitch........the only time I bother with the WD hitch is when I tow with my slide-in in the bed.

 

How bout 3000 lbs of tongue weight on a 2000 3500 with a factory hitch? Drug a 20K lb baler ~70miles like that...knew it was back there when I went to stop, other than that, just bounced a bit.

The hitch will be fine, like someone pointed out, they have a HUGE margin of safety built in.
Chris

 

What baler were you hauling that weighs 20K???

 

Hesston 4800 Big Square with a 3 bale accumulator

The 4755's are no problem, the 4800-4900-4910's are another story, they can get tricky

Chris