2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner Manual - Page 390

388 STARTING AND OPERATING Fifth-Wheel Hitch A special high platform with a coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the tow vehicle in the truck bed. Connects a vehicle and fifth-wheel trailer with a coupling king pin. Gooseneck Hitch The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted coupling arm which attaches to a ball mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. The coupling arm connects to the hitch mounted over the rear axle in the truck bed. Trailer Hitch Classification The rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) without added equipment or alterations to the standard equipment. Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional Trailer Tow Prep Package. See your dealer for package content. The following chart provides the industry standard for the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition. Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg) II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1587 kg) III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) IV - Extra Heavy 10,000 lbs (4540 kg) Class Class Class Class Duty Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Greater than 10,000 lbs (4540 kg) Refer to "Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)" for the website address that contains the necessary information for your specific drivetrain. All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.