I hemmed and hawed about installing the Dodge OEM hitch with cover in the bumper. $250 for part, have to remove the whole bumper to install and buy and paint the cover. I ended up just spending $120 on a Kurt hitch. 4 bolts and done. Sticks out below the bumper, but it was easy, quick, reliable and cheap. Had 4 bikes out there for hundreds of miles with no issue.

 

Yeah that is what I have been thinking about, the other one would be simple and easy to install and do the job. I dont have to buy and paint anything the cover i have would work. Its just do I spend the extra money on it for it just to look a little better

 

Just a heads-up your towing capacity, if you dont have the factory tow package is 3500lbs

 

...and if you install it below the bumper you are reducing your ground clearance in the rear, which could cause issues depending on where you drive.....

 

You'll be mad if you Don't install the oem...found mind on eBay with the bulged cover, for around 200. Install wasn't bad at all

 

Pretty sure the 2019's the same as my 2017...followed this to the T...went perfect.

 

Can you look at this video at 9 mins and 20 seconds, did you have to do this, or no because you got the oem hitch?

 

Adding a hitch is not hard, and takes maybe an hour if you taking your time from start to finish. I went with OEM on both the hitch and wiring when I did my 2014. Don't let taking the rear bumper off scare you into not doing OEM vs say a uHaul hitch. I did the whole install by myself, and found the bumper is not heavy, and found it was surprisingly easy to take off and back on.

If you do go with the OEM, you'll notice when you take out the factory metal bumper for the hitch, that the hitch is a lot heavier and thicker. I would think that would be better for the rear end if some idiot hit you from behind.

You also don't necessarily need the hitch cover that goes over everything when there isn't a trailer/bike rack attached. It does look nicer with one however, and will also keep rain/snow and other things from getting into that area and rusting it over time.

If you do plan to tow, as has been mentioned, your limited to 3500 LBS because it didn't come from the factory with the tow package. If your just using it for a bike rack you will be just fine, and you also won't need wiring at all. Personally, I would do it anyway as you may find down the road you may need to tow something. That too is pretty easy, and if you get OEM wiring it will come with instructions on where to plug everything in, or at least mine did.

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Adding a hitch is not hard, and takes maybe an hour if you taking your time from start to finish. I went with OEM on both the hitch and wiring when I did my 2014. Don't let taking the rear bumper off scare you into not doing OEM vs say a uHaul hitch. I did the whole install by myself, and found the bumper is not heavy, and found it was surprisingly easy to take off and back on.

If you do go with the OEM, you'll notice when you take out the factory metal bumper for the hitch, that the hitch is a lot heavier and thicker. I would think that would be better for the rear end if some idiot hit you from behind.

You also don't necessarily need the hitch cover that goes over everything when there isn't a trailer/bike rack attached. It does look nicer with one however, and will also keep rain/snow and other things from getting into that area and rusting it over time.

If you do plan to tow, as has been mentioned, your limited to 3500 LBS because it didn't come from the factory with the tow package. If your just using it for a bike rack you will be just fine, and you also won't need wiring at all. Personally, I would do it anyway as you may find down the road you may need to tow something. That too is pretty easy, and if you get OEM wiring it will come with instructions on where to plug everything in, or at least mine did.

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same to you, can you look at this video at 9 min 20 seconds, did you have to do this or no?

 

Thank you everyone. I might just do it myself, I was looking for this type of input. it seems very reasonable to do myself and cut the cost in half

 

I have a 2019 Durango GT...

Does the GT have body color lower fascia? I have a Limited (which the GT replaced) and the lower fascia is a textured grey, and the replacement cover doesn't need to be painted.

 

The 2017 rear unibody frame has the nuts welded onside the frame for easy removal of the original light weight metal bumper. It's very light compared to the oem hitch. My hitch can with new bolts but I choose to use the original ones. They're hardened steel compared to the galvanized ones sent. But it did bolt right up. Huge upgrade as far as rear end protection

 

I purchased the hitch that replaces the back bumper and hides under the skirting. www.carid.com $175. Drawtite 76196. Install it yourself. Look around for it.

 

Dont forget if you do the oem install you will need to take it to the DODGE dealer to activate the towing system so that your lights will work on what you are hauling. Had to do it to mine 2016 Durango awd Limited