Factory hitch

1FastBrick

Well-known member
Dec 1, 2016
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Junkyard
Been a long time since I looked but I think they only fall into a Class 3 range although people over load them all the time.

The one on my truck was damaged from the previous owner so I replaced it with a Class 5 from Curt. I was going to just get another factory hitch until I did the research on it. That's when I decided to put a class 5 hitch on it.
 

Trimox

Member
Aug 31, 2017
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As FastBrick said they do fall into a class 3.
I just looked at my 04 which should be the same as yours.

7500# Tow rating 1000# tongue weight

Weight distribution hitch 12000# Tow rating 1500# tongue weight
 

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
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Lol. I sledpulled on and off for two years on my stock hitch. Bent the receiver downward, but it didn't break.

Have a Curt 5 on it for past 10+ years now as a result.
 

Dozerboy

Well-known member
Jun 23, 2009
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From what I remember the stock hitch doesn't hold up to well with WD hitches and a lot of weight. They will Crack where the tube is welded to the brackets that bolt it to the frame. They seem to give plenty of warning, so just keep any eye out for cracks.
 

Chevy1925

don't know sh!t about IFS
Staff member
Oct 21, 2009
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Phoenix Az
It’s best when upgrading hitches to get one that attaches to the bumper like stock. The frame where it bolts to is not meant to take the full load and can crack/break over time. I watched a couple guys on a different forum loose a trailer due to this.

If you box in the frame where the trailer attaches and fish plate the outside, it won’t be an issue. Not lots of guys that can weld so it’s easier to just get a hitch that bolts to the bumper as well.
 

Harshman

Member
Apr 20, 2021
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harshmanauto.com
My son has a 2007 3500 that came with a factory hitch. Used it for about 5 years of heavy towing until the round tubes started to rust off the frame brackets. The bumper saved the day. I noticed the bumper sagging is how we found it.
I just bought an 02 with factory hitch. The ball mount is rusted in so tight I am replacing the whole works.
 

Dozerboy

Well-known member
Jun 23, 2009
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I have a drawtite 13k hitch with a 1980 lb. tongue load, and it has no provision for a bumper attachment

Is it holding up good? I just noticed my hitch pin has waller out the hole pretty good. I want one that doesn't need bumper attachments because I want to go to a new '15 corner step bumper.
 

1FastBrick

Well-known member
Dec 1, 2016
2,181
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Junkyard
Is it holding up good? I just noticed my hitch pin has waller out the hole pretty good. I want one that doesn't need bumper attachments because I want to go to a new '15 corner step bumper.
Like this on the factory hitch???
 

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