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2003 - 2010 Dodge Ram 2500
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DRAW-TITE Class 5 trailer hitches are the choice of professionals and big toy haulers who need to get the job done! These Class 5 heavy-duty hitches are rated for up to 18,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) and up to 2,000 lbs. tongue weight (TW). They are also suitable for use with weight distribution up to 18,000 lbs. weight distribution (WD) and 2,500 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (WDTW). DRAW-TITE hitches are designed to provide top towing performance, with solid-all-welded construction and a black powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion. The 2-1/2 inch square receiver tube opening, bigger chain loops, tighter ball mount fit, and reinforced pin holes make these heavy-duty hitches ideal for toy haulers and commercial vehicles alike. Includes all the mounting hardware needed for installation and are backed by a nationwide lifetime limited warranty. DRAW-TITE trailer hitches are tested to exceed V-5 and SAE J684 standards. DRAW-TITE: North Americas Favorite Hitch.
| BRAND: | DRAW-TITE |
| PART NUMBER: | 45509 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 93.5 LBS |
| GROSS TOWING WEIGHT: | 18,000 LBS. |
| GROSS TONGUE WEIGHT: | 2,000 LBS. |
| RECEIVER SIZE: | 2.5 IN. |
| HITCH CLASS: | V |
| DRILLING REQUIRED: | YES |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | YES |
| ATTACHMENT LOCATION: | REAR |
| HITCH VISIBILITY: | VISIBLE |
| CROSS-TUBE TYPE: | SQUARE TUBE |
| BALL MOUNT INCLUDED: | NO |
| COLOR: | BLACK |
| FINISH: | BLACK POWDER COAT OVER E-COAT |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| MOUNTING LOCATION: | VEHICLE FRAME |
| MOUNTING TYPE: | BOLT-ON |
| GROSS TOWING WEIGHT WITH WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION: | 18,000 LBS. |
| GROSS TONGUE WEIGHT WITH WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION: | 2,500 LBS. |
Draw-Tite has designed custom-fit trailer hitches since 1946 and is one of North America's most widely fitted hitch brands. Receiver hitches use solid all-welded construction and low-profile designs that follow modern vehicle contours, install with minimal bumper cutting or drilling, meet or exceed V5 CSA and SAE J684 standards, and carry a limited lifetime warranty.
Draw-Tite has been leading custom-fit trailer hitch design and engineering since its founding in 1946, and it remains one of the most widely fitted hitch brands in North America. The company's stated approach is straightforward: every hitch is tested rigorously so that it performs well beyond published industry standards, a philosophy it markets as Tested Tough. It sits within the Horizon Global towing group alongside Reese, Fulton, Bulldog, Tekonsha, Bargman and Wesbar.
Custom fit is the defining characteristic. Rather than adapting a universal design, Draw-Tite engineers a trailer hitch for a specific make, model and model year, so it bolts to existing frame locations with minimal bumper cutting or drilling. Low-profile designs follow the rear contours and aerodynamic styling of modern vehicles, which matters more than it once did now that rear fascias are shaped and sensor-equipped. Construction is solid all-welded steel for maximum strength, and every hitch meets or exceeds V5 CSA and SAE J684 standards and is backed by a nationwide limited lifetime warranty.
The range spans receiver sizes and classes to suit different loads, from 1-1/4 inch receivers for bike racks, cargo carriers and light trailers up through 2 inch receivers for heavier towing. Front mount hitches add a receiver at the front of the vehicle for winch mounts, snow plows, spare carriers and precise trailer positioning.
The Hidden Hitch series takes concealment further by mounting behind the vehicle's rear fascia, so the vehicle keeps its factory appearance until a removable receiver is fitted. Each is custom designed per make and model for a no-drill installation that does not compromise ground clearance, rated for up to 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight. Matching plug-and-play wiring completes the towing system.
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Draw-Tite® Trailer Hitches | Receiver Hitches
2 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 - 2010 | Dodge Ram 2500 | Class 5 Trailer Hitch: 18000 lbs 2,000/18,000 lbs. Weight Carrying (tongue weight/gross trailer weight) 2,500/18,000 lbs. when used with a Weight Distribution Kit (tongue weight/gross trailer weight) Drilling Required Install Time is 95 minutes |
| 2003 - 2010 | Dodge Ram 3500 | Class 5 Trailer Hitch: 18000 lbs 2,000/18,000 lbs. Weight Carrying (tongue weight/gross trailer weight) 2,500/18,000 lbs. when used with a Weight Distribution Kit (tongue weight/gross trailer weight) Drilling Required Install Time is 95 minutes |
The Draw-tite Titan® Class 5 Trailer Hitch, 2-1/2" Square Receiver, Black for Select Dodge Ram 2500, Dodge Ram 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 3500 45509 (Part #DT45509) fits the following vehicles: 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 2500; 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 3500. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the Draw-tite Titan® Class 5 Trailer Hitch, 2-1/2" Square Receiver, Black for Select Dodge Ram 2500, Dodge Ram 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 3500 45509 (Part #DT45509) is designed to fit the 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 2500.
The Draw-tite Titan® Class 5 Trailer Hitch, 2-1/2" Square Receiver, Black for Select Dodge Ram 2500, Dodge Ram 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 3500 45509 (Part #DT45509) fits 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 2500 models. The 2010 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The Draw-tite Titan® Class 5 Trailer Hitch, 2-1/2" Square Receiver, Black for Select Dodge Ram 2500, Dodge Ram 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 3500 45509 (Part #DT45509) Drilling is required for installation. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, part numbers 45509, 45709, and CQT45509 fit 2003–2016 Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 models. Check the manufacturer's website for the most current information on specific trim levels and model years.
No. The manual explicitly states: "WITH THIS HITCH INSTALLED THE STEP BUMPER IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE USED AS A TOWING POINT."
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight is 18,000 lb (8,172 kg) for both weight-carrying and weight-distributing configurations. Maximum tongue weight is 2,000 lb (908 kg) for weight-carrying or 2,500 lb (1,135 kg) for weight-distributing. Do not exceed the lower of your vehicle manufacturer's rating or these limits.
Required tools: ratchet, torque wrench, safety glasses, sockets (16 mm, 18 mm, 21 mm, 3/8"), 6" socket extension, drill with 9/16" drill bit, and die grinder.
Yes. You must drill two 9/16" holes in the bottom of the frame using the hitch as a template (step 10). Do not use a torch to cut holes.
M12 hitch fasteners: 75 lb-ft (102 N·m). M14 and 1/2" fasteners: 100 lb-ft (136 N·m). M12 bed fasteners: 85 lb-ft (115 N·m). M10 fasteners: 42 lb-ft (57 N·m). Use a torque wrench for all fasteners.
Yes, you must lower the spare tire for ease of installation. If you have an 18-inch spare, you must remove the tire locator bracket. If you have a 20-inch spare, it must be relocated from under the bed.
If excess sway occurs, take your foot off the gas pedal and hold the steering wheel as steady as possible. DO NOT apply your brakes and DO NOT speed up.
The kit includes: 4× M14×2.00 hex nuts, 4× 5/8" conical washers, 6× M12×1.75 hex nuts, 14× 1/2" conical washers, 4× 1/2"-13×1.75 carriage bolts (Grade 8), 2× 0.250×3.50×1.50 blocks, 4× 1/2"-13 hex nuts (Grade 2), 2× 1/2" pull wires, 4× M12×1.75×45 mm bolts (Class 10.9), and 3× 0.50×1.50×5.75 spacer blocks.
Lower the spare tire for ease of installation. Remove 6 of the 8 rear bed attachment bolts (accessible through large holes in the frame or suspension mounts), leaving the two forward-most bolts tight. Raise the back of the bed and place a 2" thick wooden block between the frame and bed attachment location #3. Remove the license plate to access two bolts. Protect and remove the bumper by removing 6–12 bolts depending on model year.
1. Lower spare tire and remove/relocate as needed. 2. Remove 6 rear bed bolts; leave 2 forward bolts tight. 3. Raise bed and insert 2" wooden block at location #3. 4. Remove license plate. 5. Remove bumper (6–12 bolts). 6. Remove old bumper/hitch structure. 7. Lower bed and reinstall bed bolts. 8. Raise new hitch and use two forward M14 bolts per side to hold in place. 9. Mark and drill two 9/16" holes in frame bottom. 10. Fish 1/2" carriage bolts and blocks through frame end; attach washers and nuts finger-tight. 11. Remove and reinstall vibration dampener if equipped. 12. Loosen corner brace bolts (03-09 only). 13. Raise bumper and attach with original bolts. 14. Install remaining fasteners per Figure 1. 15. Measure and adjust bumper-to-tailgate gap. 16. Tighten all fasteners to specification. 17. Raise spare tire. 18. Give customer OEM bumper/hitch structure.
For 2003–2009 models: Remove two M12 bolts and one M14 bolt from the inner bumper corner brace to the bumper/hitch attachment per side, plus one M12 bolt from the frame rail bumper attachment per side. For 2010+ models: Remove two M12 bolts from the frame rail bumper attachment per side. All models: Remove two M12 bolts at the license plate area. Then remove the last two M14 bolts (03-09) or three M14 bolts (2010+) at the frame rail. Rotate the structure up and pull back to clear the boss and tab/slot engagements (see Figure 2).
After drilling the 9/16" holes in the frame bottom, use the 1/2" pull wires (included in fastener kit) to thread the 1/2" carriage bolts and blocks through the end of the frame from underneath. Once in place, attach 1/2" washers and nuts and tighten finger-tight. These will be fully torqued after bumper alignment.
After raising the bumper into position and attaching it with the original bolts, measure the gap between the bumper and tailgate. Adjust the bumper position to achieve an even gap on both sides. Once aligned, tighten all fasteners to the specified torque values.
M12 hitch fasteners must be tightened to 75 lb-ft (102 N·m) using a torque wrench.
M14 and 1/2" fasteners must be tightened to 100 lb-ft (136 N·m) using a torque wrench.
M12 bed fasteners must be tightened to 85 lb-ft (115 N·m) using a torque wrench.
All M10 fasteners must be tightened to 42 lb-ft (57 N·m) using a torque wrench.
You must drill two 9/16" diameter holes in the bottom of the frame. Use the hitch as a template to mark the hole locations. Do not use a torch to cut the holes.
No. The manual explicitly states: "Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch." Use a drill with a 9/16" bit instead.
The manual does not specify whether the battery must be disconnected. Contact Cequent technical support at 800-632-3290 or TechnicalSupport@cequentgroup.com for clarification.
Always wear safety glasses when installing the hitch. Observe safety precautions when working beneath a vehicle and wear eye protection. Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch. If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or other body panels to prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes.
Check that all fasteners are tight and the hitch is securely mounted to the vehicle. Measure the gap between the bumper and tailgate to ensure even alignment. Verify that the ball is properly tightened. The manual recommends checking the hitch frequently to ensure all fasteners and the ball remain properly tightened.
The manual states: "Check hitch frequently, making sure all fasteners and ball are properly tightened." It does not specify an exact interval. For detailed maintenance recommendations, contact Cequent technical support at 800-632-3290.
A hitch or ball which has been damaged should be removed and replaced. Do not continue to use a damaged hitch or ball for towing.
If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or other body panels to prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes. The manual recommends giving the OEM bumper/hitch structure to the customer in case the hitch is removed in the future.
Load the trailer heavier in front. This helps maintain proper weight distribution and stability while towing.
Slow down when towing and never exceed any posted speed limit. Always wear your seatbelt while towing.
Cequent Performance Products, Inc. offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty to the original consumer purchaser only. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship, excluding ordinary wear and tear. The warranty is valid only if products are returned for inspection and testing, the defect is not caused by misuse, neglect, improper installation, or accident, and the product was installed, maintained, and used according to instructions. Product replacement is the sole remedy. To make a claim, contact Cequent at 47912 Halyard Drive, Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, or call 1-800-632-3290. Retain your purchase receipt to verify you are the original purchaser.
The average installation time is 95 minutes for professional installers. If you do not feel comfortable performing this installation on your own or are in need of assistance, contact a professional installer.
Yes. The manual states: "Must have pick-up chassis Spring mount (as shown above the frame)." This is a required condition for proper installation and operation.
After removing 6 of the 8 rear bed attachment bolts, you raise the back of the bed and place a 2" thick wooden block between the frame and bed attachment location #3. This supports the bed while the hitch structure is being removed and installed.
Yes, but only for 2003–2009 models. To ease the installation of the bumper, loosen the two bolts per side at the inner and outer corner brace (03-09 model only). This allows the bumper to align more easily before final tightening.
If equipped, the vibration dampener should be removed from the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) bumper/hitch structure and installed on the new hitch unit. The manual notes that the vibration dampener is present "on certain models only." Refer to Figure 1 for the location on the new hitch.
Yes. The manual provides model-year-specific instructions for bumper removal and hitch structure removal. For 2003–2009 models, you remove two M12 bolts and one M14 bolt from the inner bumper corner brace per side, plus one M12 bolt from the frame rail per side, and two M14 bolts from the frame rail. For 2010+ models, you remove two M12 bolts from the frame rail per side and three M14 bolts from the frame rail. Additionally, 2003–2009 models require loosening corner brace bolts before bumper installation, while 2010+ models do not.
An 18-inch spare tire requires removal of the tire locator bracket (see Figure 3). A 20-inch spare tire must be relocated from under the bed. Both must be lowered initially for ease of installation and raised again after the hitch is installed.
Measure the gap between the bumper and tailgate. If the gap is uneven, loosen the fasteners slightly and adjust the bumper position to achieve an even gap on both sides. Once aligned, retighten all fasteners to the specified torque values.
The manual states: "Check hitch frequently, making sure all fasteners and ball are properly tightened." If fasteners are found to be loose, retighten them to the specified torque values: M12 hitch fasteners to 75 lb-ft (102 N·m), M14 and 1/2" fasteners to 100 lb-ft (136 N·m), M12 bed fasteners to 85 lb-ft (115 N·m), and M10 fasteners to 42 lb-ft (57 N·m).
| Part # | GTW / TW | Drop | Rise | Length | Tongue Hole Size | Shank Type | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Ball Mounts | |||||||
| 45018 | 2,000 / 200 lbs. | 1-1/4" | 5/8" | 6-3/4" | 3/4" | Hollow | Gloss black |
| 45019 | 2,000 / 200 lbs. | 1-1/4" | 5/8" | 8-5/8" | 3/4" | Hollow | Gloss black |
| 45022 | 2,000 / 200 lbs. | 3-1/4" | 2-5/8" | 6-1/8" | 3/4" | Hollow | Gloss black |
| 45024 | 2,000 / 200 lbs. | 3-1/4" | 2-5/8" | 7-3/8" | 3/4" | Hollow | Gloss black |
| 45026 | 2,000 / 200 lbs. | 3-1/4" | 2-5/8" | 9-3/8" | 3/4" | Hollow | Gloss black |
| 45018 | 2,000 / 200 lbs. | 1-1/4" | 5/8" | 6-3/4" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45021 | 2,000 / 200 lbs. | 2" | 3/4" | 9-5/16" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45023 | 2,000 / 200 lbs. | 3-1/4" | 2-5/8" | 9-5/16" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45025 | 2,000 / 200 lbs. | 3-1/4" | 2-5/8" | 9-5/16" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45028 | 2,000 / 200 lbs. | -- | -- | 5" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| Class 2 Ball Mounts | |||||||
| 45503 | 3,500 / 350 lbs. | 1" | 3/8" | 7-13/16" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45509 | 3,500 / 350 lbs. | 2-5/8" | 1-1/4" | 8-1/4" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45512 | 3,500 / 350 lbs. | 3-1/4" | 2-5/8" | 8-1/4" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45519 | 3,500 / 350 lbs. | 4" | 3-1/4" | 9" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45503 | 3,500 / 350 lbs. | 1" | 3/8" | 10" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45504 | 3,500 / 350 lbs. | -- | 1" | 10" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45505 | 3,500 / 350 lbs. | -- | 2-5/8" | 11" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45506 | 3,500 / 350 lbs. | 5" | 3-3/8" | 11" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45034 | 3,500 / 350 lbs. | 7-3/8" | -- | 11-1/2" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
| 45035 | 3,500 / 350 lbs. | -- | 5" | 11-5/8" | 3/4" | Solid | Gloss black |
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