How Can I Transport Bikes with an Inaccessible Rear Hitch on My 2007 Ram 3500?
Question:
have a 2007 dodge 3500 and Northern light truck camper 10.2. want to tow a small trailer 3000# and also use a bike hitch at times. the face of the factory hitch is 33 from clearing the camper steps. Need an extension 2. Also need to down some as the step is in direct line with the hitch. You cant go straight in. Can you help? If I could make the bike rack work, I would be OK for now. Thanks
asked by: Rick W
Expert Reply:
I have an answer for you. The only hitch extenders we have that can get you to at the 33 inch clearance you need are made for 2-1/2 inch hitch receivers like the Curt Hitch Extension and Reducer for 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches # C45048. We also carry extenders if you have Titan-brand 2-1/2 receivers like the # RP45292 or extenders for SuperHitch dual 2-1/2 hitch receivers like the # TLE1536.
However, even if you happen to have a 2-1/2 inch hitch receiver, we unfortunately do not carry any type of adapter that can get around the steps of your truck-bed camper. It is extremely dangerous to use a drop hitch adapter in addition to a hitch extender (especially for the purpose of towing a trailer).
As far as a bike rack, your best option is to use a front hitch on your 2007 Ram 3500. For that route, I recommend the Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 65046. This hitch comes with all hardware required for installation. It is important to note that this hitch requires some minor drilling. We do not have a front hitch that does not require drilling.
For a great bike rack for the hitch, I recommend the Saris Freedom # SA4412B or the # SA4412B-FB (if you have fat bike tires between 2.25 - 5 inches wide). The Freedom gives you 60 pounds of maximum per-bike weight capacity and has cradles that adjust independently on the central mast. This feature eliminates the need for a bike frame adapter bar if you have children's bikes, women's bikes, or bikes with step-thru frames. For theft-deterrence measures on the rack, I recommend the etrailer Cable Lock # e98891 and the Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock # SA3022.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Front Receiver Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Front Mount Hitch
- 500 lbs Vert Load
- 9000 lbs Line Pull
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Square Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike
- Cable Locks
- Utility Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Steel
- 10 Feet Long
- etrailer
more information >
Hitch Box Extension and Reducer for Titan 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches, 24" - 34" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Hitch Reducer
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 24 - 34 Inch Extension
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 2-1/2 Inch to 2 Inch
- 6000 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Saris Bike Racks with 1-1/4" and 2" Shanks
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Rack Specific Locks
- Keyed Unique
- Steel
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Threaded Pin
- For Saris Racks
- 3-5/8 Inch Span
- Saris
more information >
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Saris
more information >
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Fat Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Saris
more information >
TorkLift SuperTruss Hitch Extension for SuperHitch Trailer Hitch Receivers - 36" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Trailers
- 36 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 6500 lbs
- TorkLift
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Hitch Extension and Reducer for 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches - 24" to 34" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Hitch Reducer
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 24 - 34 Inch Extension
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 2-1/2 Inch to 2 Inch
- 6000 lbs
- CURT
more information >
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