2018 RAM 2500 hitch receiver height

[Robertone139]

Just traded in our gorgeous Grand Cherokee for a RAM 2500.
Hitch receiver height is 24", is there a limit to how much drop shank we can use.
We are using a 12K Equalizer WD hitch.

[KCCO]

I ended up at a local hitch / trailer shop because I couldn’t find one long enough online - our Ram 2500’s sit pretty high. I used the reducing sleeve, but wanted rid of it after seeing how loose it made everything fit.

[Robertone139]

Originally Posted by KCCO

I ended up at a local hitch / trailer shop because I couldn’t find one long enough online - our Ram 2500’s sit pretty high. I used the reducing sleeve, but wanted rid of it after seeing how loose it made everything fit.

So what did you get?

[uncle_bob]

Hi

There is no limit to how far you can drop down. If you are past what the standard shanks will let you do, it's time to get one welded up. At some point the whole "truck two miles off the ground" thing will get old and we can go back to more rational truck heights .... ( = this is not just a RAM thing ....).

Bob

[KCCO]

Originally Posted by Robertone139

So what did you get?

Never really finished that did I......sorry about that.

I believe I ended up with a drop shank from curt. We are camping right now and I couldn’t see a model number while it’s hooked up. I’ll check when we get back.

[KCCO]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

There is no limit to how far you can drop down. If you are past what the standard shanks will let you do, it's time to get one welded up. At some point the whole "truck two miles off the ground" thing will get old and we can go back to more rational truck heights .... ( = this is not just a RAM thing ....).

Bob

I agree - biggest complaint about my 3/4 ton ram is the height it sits.

[bganso]

I just purchased a Ram 2500. I measured the hitch height from my Ram 1500 (old TV) and there's a 2.5" difference. I assume my EAZ-lift hitch will accommodate that...maybe not. I haven't had the opportunity to go to the storage lot to check it out.

[crispyboy]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

At some point the whole "truck two miles off the ground" thing will get old and we can go back to more rational truck heights .... ( = this is not just a RAM thing ....).

Bob

Dittos on the trucks being too high! There really is no rhyme or reason except the extra height helps in making for a softer suspension. With a leaf spring you won't hit the overloads so quickly (Ford/GM) and a coil spring can be progressive rate (Ram).
If you look at the factory air suspension from Ram they actually sit a little bit lower than the standard rear coil suspension and have an alternate height for towing. The best of would be a Kelderman aftermarket suspension with the kneeling feature for getting in/out or loading the truck.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by crispyboy

Dittos on the trucks being too high! There really is no rhyme or reason except the extra height helps in making for a softer suspension. With a leaf spring you won't hit the overloads so quickly (Ford/GM) and a coil spring can be progressive rate (Ram).
If you look at the factory air suspension from Ram they actually sit a little bit lower than the standard rear coil suspension and have an alternate height for towing. The best of would be a Kelderman aftermarket suspension with the kneeling feature for getting in/out or loading the truck.

Hi

On some of these trucks, you can take them back down again simply by pulling the lift blocks they shoved it up with (and fiddling a few minor things). The suspension stays the same. The ride stays the same. No, you can't go over that 12" tree lying in the road at 70 MHP anymore. That's not anything I was planning on doing anyway.

It's marketing and looks. Big tough truck should be big (especially if it can't be tough )

Eventually they'll come to their senses. Probably after a bunch of 30' high trucks roll over in a 15 mph cross wind ....

Bob

[Hans627]

Do any of you with the RAM HD truck have the rear air suspension system? If so are you happy with it and would you get it again?

[Robertone139]

Naw, standard RAM 2500 with coils, I believe the 3500 has spring leaves.

[Fair_Enough]

2017 Ford F-250 4x4 with Blue Ox and the 11 hole shank barely works with a 2013 23FB IS. To get it very slightly nose down fresh tank is topped off. Trailer is absolutely stock and truck has snow plow prep. I don't think height of the bed for a new Ram is as high as these Fords... I really should have thought about getting up and down before buying... at my age!
WW

[JDG]

I have the same Equalizer 12K weight distribution hitch with an Equalizer Shank. Part #90-02-4400. It has a 9"drop and 13" rise 12" length. Works well other than some play in the 2.5 to 2 inch reducer. However, the Equalizer folks say the play is not a concern. I have a 2018 RAM 2500. Good Luck.

[brick1]

I have a new 2018 F250, and an Equilizer hitch. When hitched I cannot drop the lift gate without it hitting the jack stand on the trailer. I need maybe 1/2 inch longer length to the shank. Anyone else have the same issue?
brick

[Runaground]

Originally Posted by brick1

I have a new 2018 F250, and an Equilizer hitch. When hitched I cannot drop the lift gate without it hitting the jack stand on the trailer. I need maybe 1/2 inch longer length to the shank. Anyone else have the same issue?
brick

Yes, I have a 2017 f250 and had same issue. My local truck accessory/hitch supplier ordered a Curt extended shank which works perfectly. You/they just move your "ball mechanism" over from the old shank. It gives you a few inches more room (3 or 4"). No changes in towing performance or weight distribution that I can sense.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by brick1

I have a new 2018 F250, and an Equilizer hitch. When hitched I cannot drop the lift gate without it hitting the jack stand on the trailer. I need maybe 1/2 inch longer length to the shank. Anyone else have the same issue?

Yes.
But if I needed 1/2" I'd first consider turning the jack sideways.

Otherwise it takes a bit of research to find another "proper" shank.
It's complicated by different manufacturers measuring their shanks differently. I found the e-Trailer web site handy because they do a little video where their tech puts a tape measure against the shank.

Even though I have a Equalizer hitch, I think a Curt shank gives me about 3" more. All shanks seem to have the same mounting hole spacing, so brand to brand isn't a problem. (3/4" holes on 1 1/4" spacing)

I don't want to go too long because of stability, and it's a shin buster, more for unsuspecting folks in parking lots.

[Robertone139]

Originally Posted by JDG

I have the same Equalizer 12K weight distribution hitch with an Equalizer Shank. Part #90-02-4400. It has a 9"drop and 13" rise 12" length. Works well other than some play in the 2.5 to 2 inch reducer. However, the Equalizer folks say the play is not a concern. I have a 2018 RAM 2500. Good Luck.

Got the same part yesterday from E.Trailer, it should work out.
My concern is now being able to open the lift gate, this shank is 3" shorter than the one I have.
Thanks go to whoever designed the RamBox system into the truck.

[JDG]

I can open the tailgate without issue as long as the truck is aligned with the trailer (straight). It only has about 3/4 inch clearance but it works fine as long as truck and trailer are in a straight line. Your right, Ram Box is GREAT!

[HossnEllyMay]

I am using an Eaz-Lift receiver on my 2018 Ram 2500 4X4. Because the bed sits so high, I had use the 12" extended ball mount shaft (Part #48132) so that it could go low enough for my AS Classic. Problem is that the shaft is so low that it feels like I have a tailhook on my bumper. There have been times when the bottom of the shaft has scraped on the road such as when going up the apron of a driveway. Does anyone else have this situation, and if so, is there a solution? Is there another hitch that is better suited for the 2500 4x4?