I recently self installed the OEM hitch on a 15' R/T this is a brief review of my experience with it. This is just another thread for those of you who are looking to do it and some reference on it.
Part Numbers and prices I paid. You can shop around but these are the prices and places I was happy to deal with.
Parts
-Hitch 183.07 Amazon #52124606AF OEM
-2 Hitch Bolts 19.28$ eBay SIZE m14x2.00x45.00 #6508668AA OEM
-Smooth Hitch Fascia $41.11 eBay 1xv07tzzab OEM
-Push Pins for Bumper 17$ harbor freight #97757
-Hitch wire 7/4 connector 35$ eBay #56055632AC OEM
Labor
-Paint Fascia $120 local body shop
-Activate Hitch wire harness at dealer (at time of post I have not done this yet, was quoted almost $140)
Parts 295.46
Labor 260
Total $555.46
to be able to tow with the Durango = Priceless
Install time - Less than 2 hours
Quick overview: after watching the two videos that I will post here, I attempted the install. Rear bumper removal was the hardest part, the two push pins on each side you need to remove can be a pain in the ass, specifically the one higher up, using a smaller pair of wire cutters I just snipped the backs off of them since they aren't reusable and they popped out. once the screws on each side are out and the 2 screws under the rear center of the bumper are out, here comes the fun part, REMOVING THE BUMPER. I encountered a problem on the driver side, the bumper wouldn't pop out and when I gave it a good pull I actually snapped the bumper bracket (which you will see in the picture. Keep an eye on this area you need to pull the bumper off the screw hole first since this bracket connects to the bumper somewhat, hard to explain but keep an eye on this area. Once this area is not snagging the bumper pops out pretty easily. Another note is when pulling the fender trim away to get the bumper off, DO NOT pull the trim off any further than you have to when taking the bumper off, there is a tab holding the trim and can easily break apart if you try to pull more of the trim away. If you start with the drivers side this is where the connector is to unplug the rear parking sensors.
After the bumper was off it was pretty straight forward removing the 4 bolts for the bumper support. I had the OEM wiring harness clipped behind the rear bumper so all I needed was the 7/4 pin connector that plugs into it, this was straight forward plug and play. after sliding the hitch into the frame I secured the 4 bolts plus 2 extra I purchased and loosely tightened all first and then tightened these bolts up TIGHT.
Installing the rear bumper back was also straight forward, the bracket that broke on the driver side does not allow me to install one of the screws but everything fit snuggly and tight, this part when I looked it up costs about $10 so I ordered a new one and will replace it when I get around to it since it is not a high priority.
Installing the rivets on each side was a breeze! simply put them in the tool that they come with stick in the hole, and squeeze they pop right in!!
Body shop had no problem painting the fascia for the hitch, turn around time was 24 hours and I couldn't be happier with their work.
all in all it wasn't to bad, a little patience taking the rear bumper off is mainly the moral of this post, the bumper comes off easily so if something is preventing it, DONT MUSCLE IT. included are come pictures for reference. Thanks for reading! this forum has been awesome since I purchased my D 2 weeks ago so i'm just trying to contribute something!!!
one more thing, while the bumper is off, POLISH THOSE TIPS =)
How To Videos, Credit to original posters, thank you!!!!
Pictures
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Part Numbers and prices I paid. You can shop around but these are the prices and places I was happy to deal with.
Parts
-Hitch 183.07 Amazon #52124606AF OEM
-2 Hitch Bolts 19.28$ eBay SIZE m14x2.00x45.00 #6508668AA OEM
-Smooth Hitch Fascia $41.11 eBay 1xv07tzzab OEM
-Push Pins for Bumper 17$ harbor freight #97757
-Hitch wire 7/4 connector 35$ eBay #56055632AC OEM
Labor
-Paint Fascia $120 local body shop
-Activate Hitch wire harness at dealer (at time of post I have not done this yet, was quoted almost $140)
Parts 295.46
Labor 260
Total $555.46
to be able to tow with the Durango = Priceless
Install time - Less than 2 hours
Quick overview: after watching the two videos that I will post here, I attempted the install. Rear bumper removal was the hardest part, the two push pins on each side you need to remove can be a pain in the ass, specifically the one higher up, using a smaller pair of wire cutters I just snipped the backs off of them since they aren't reusable and they popped out. once the screws on each side are out and the 2 screws under the rear center of the bumper are out, here comes the fun part, REMOVING THE BUMPER. I encountered a problem on the driver side, the bumper wouldn't pop out and when I gave it a good pull I actually snapped the bumper bracket (which you will see in the picture. Keep an eye on this area you need to pull the bumper off the screw hole first since this bracket connects to the bumper somewhat, hard to explain but keep an eye on this area. Once this area is not snagging the bumper pops out pretty easily. Another note is when pulling the fender trim away to get the bumper off, DO NOT pull the trim off any further than you have to when taking the bumper off, there is a tab holding the trim and can easily break apart if you try to pull more of the trim away. If you start with the drivers side this is where the connector is to unplug the rear parking sensors.
After the bumper was off it was pretty straight forward removing the 4 bolts for the bumper support. I had the OEM wiring harness clipped behind the rear bumper so all I needed was the 7/4 pin connector that plugs into it, this was straight forward plug and play. after sliding the hitch into the frame I secured the 4 bolts plus 2 extra I purchased and loosely tightened all first and then tightened these bolts up TIGHT.
Installing the rear bumper back was also straight forward, the bracket that broke on the driver side does not allow me to install one of the screws but everything fit snuggly and tight, this part when I looked it up costs about $10 so I ordered a new one and will replace it when I get around to it since it is not a high priority.
Installing the rivets on each side was a breeze! simply put them in the tool that they come with stick in the hole, and squeeze they pop right in!!
Body shop had no problem painting the fascia for the hitch, turn around time was 24 hours and I couldn't be happier with their work.
all in all it wasn't to bad, a little patience taking the rear bumper off is mainly the moral of this post, the bumper comes off easily so if something is preventing it, DONT MUSCLE IT. included are come pictures for reference. Thanks for reading! this forum has been awesome since I purchased my D 2 weeks ago so i'm just trying to contribute something!!!
one more thing, while the bumper is off, POLISH THOSE TIPS =)
How To Videos, Credit to original posters, thank you!!!!
Pictures
