[CrimsonWolf-II]

what would be the best place to go to get a hitch installed? Uhaul?? not crazy about the one by me? they're a bunch of idiots working there.

 

[FSTDANGO3]

A camper and towing supply place maybe.
That way you can tell them what your need is and they'll understand and make sure its safe.
Steve
DOC Pres

 

[skitzo.d]

avoid the Uhauls? try a place that sells trailers or campers.

 

[rayjj]

Hitches are very easy to install, pick one up and slap it in yourself. You'd be surprise how easy it's to do.

 

[dizzyD]

Agree to self install, The OEM one is a little more complicated because of size, but if you find the uhaul style, it should bolt up real easy.

 

[MadTownD]

Avoid Uhaul like the plague!! :evil: Plus they stick that ugly 'Uhaul' sticker on it - NO THANKS? :evil:

Bolt one on yourself --- or have camper/boat dealer install it?

 

[CrimsonWolf-II]

kewl? thx for the hints.
I'll just go buy one and install it myself.

do they come as kits? with all the wiring and stuff?

 

[Unnamed]

They usually come with the hardware required but NOT the wiring harness(es.) Those are generally sold separately.

 

[Grease is the Word]

I have purchased three hitches from these guys and referred countless others. Very happy. Name brands, quick shipping, lots of accessories.

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2000_Dodge_Durango.htm

Scroll down on this page to see one on a Durango:

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-H~87522.htm?vehicleid=20002511

They have instruction sheets, pictures, etc. Very reasonable prices, and free shipping for orders over $150. If your hitch is $130, order a draw bar, ball, and harness to get it over $150 to get free shipping.

All of the hitches above bolt-on without any drilling.

Here's the wiring harness for no splice install:

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-VWH~118334.htm?vehicleid=20005618

My problem with u-haul is that they keep generic hitches in stock and drill for different applications. :furious: This also makes them more visible than custom hitches that are more concealed.

 

[CrimsonWolf-II]

thx Grease? I actually found that site while surfing. Now that it's recommened, I'll go with them. I did like the "hidden hitch" brand out of all that I looked at.

Thanks!!

 

[rohnk]

I installed the hidden hitch myself a couple of weeks ago and the only gripe I have with it's that the bolts aren't quite long enough. I think they're 1.25" bolts which by the time you add up the thickness of the frame, hitch, and washers, it's tough to get the nuts started. I had to leave off the lock washers on a few bolts just to get the nut started. :wall:

I also recommend etrailer.com. I have ordered two hitches from them and never had issues. Good service and good people to deal with.

 

[Unnamed]

I ordered mine through amazon.com and got their $30 off by buying it with their credit card and free shipping.

Now that you mention it, I too had the same problem with short bolts so I went out and got some longer ones at the h/w store. No more short bolts.

 

[rohnk]

Did you get high tension bolts or just regular "off the shelf" type. I only ask because I thought of doing that too but I didn't know where to get the high-tension bolts. I guess Lowes or Home Depot would have them but I didn't put a lot of thought into it at the time.

 

[Neil]

Lowes in their fastener section has Grade 8 hardware.

 

[Unnamed]

Did you get high tension bolts or just regular "off the shelf" type. I only ask because I thought of doing that too but I didn't know where to get the high-tension bolts. I guess Lowes or Home Depot would have them but I didn't put a lot of thought into it at the time.

I went to the Ace Hardware by me which has a much better selection of hardware goodies than a Lowes or Home Despot. (this one does at least? I'm willing to bet the more "corporate" looking ones don't?) I used the grade 8 bolts like Neil said, just got longer ones and I used their nuts and washers. (no nut comments from the peaNUT gallery either!)

 

[Volphin]

Etrailer

I too am an etrailer fan. Find the part, call em up. I had my new cargo basket in 2 days.

Bill

 

[CrimsonWolf-II]

just ordered Hidden Hitch`s class III hitch for the D along with the wiring kit and a ball kit from eTrailer.com.
should have it installed next weekend

Thanks for the heads up on eTrailer!!

 

[Unnamed]

just ordered Hidden Hitch`s class III hitch for the D along with the wiring kit and a ball kit from eTrailer.com.
should have it installed next weekend

Thanks for the heads up on eTrailer!!

Are you sure you wanted the class III hitch(3500lbs)? Most durangos get a class IV(4) carrying 5000 lbs.

 

[MadTownD]

just ordered Hidden Hitch`s class III hitch for the D along with the wiring kit and a ball kit from eTrailer.com.
should have it installed next weekend

Thanks for the heads up on eTrailer!!

Are you sure you wanted the class III hitch(3500lbs)? Most durangos get a class IV(4) carrying 5000 lbs.

Hitch from the factory is a Class IV?

Class V would be overkill for a D?

 

[CrimsonWolf-II]

3500 is more than enough for whatever I'll tow (even the drag car?.) however, according to hidden hitch this is a 5000 lb hitch:

Weight Carrying
Gross Towing
Weight (GTW) Gross Tongue
Weight (TW)
5,000 lbs. 500 lbs.
Weight Distributing
Gross Towing
Weight (GTW) Gross Tongue
Weight (TW)
7,500 lbs. 750 lbs.

either they're fibbin about the capacities or they have under-classified the hitch. either way, I'm sure it'll pull my 1500lb camper with no prob and my 2800lb drag car.