Reese 45288 User Manual

Installation Instructions

With or Without O.E.M. Hitch

Bumper

O.E.M. Receiver

Hitch Shown In Proper Position

Note: Fasteners typical both sides

Equipment Required: 5/8” pin and clip, fishwire (supplied)

Fastener Kit: F45288

Wrenches: 3/4”, 13/16”, 15/16”

Drill Bits: 1/2”

Fishwire carriage bolts thru slots
in frame – see Figure 3

Hole to be drilled

2500 and 3500 frame rail

Dodge Ram Pick-Up

Long Bed Only

Hitch type

Weight Distributing

Weight Carrying

Ball Mount

Wiring Access Location: PU3

Hole to be drilled

Push 1/4” blocks
thru end of frame.
See Figure 2*

Part Numbers:

45288

Do Not Exceed Lower of Towing Vehicle

Manufacturer’s Rating or

Max Gross

Trailer WT (LB)

1500 frame rail

Max Tongue

WT (LB)

1,700 (771.8 Kg)14,000 (6356 Kg)

1,200 (545 Kg)12,000 (5448 Kg)

Use this hole
for 1500 models

Use this hole
for 2500/3500 models

Figure 1

*If bolts do not install, rotate block 1/4 or 1/2 turn.

1
2
3
4

5

Carriage bolt 1/2-13 x 1.75 GR5Qty. (6)

Hex bolt 9/16-12 x 2.00 GR2Qty. (2)

Lock washer 1/2”Qty. (6)

Hex nut 1/2”Qty. (6)

Lock washer 9/16”Qty. (2)

6
7
8
9



11

1. Raise hitch into position by moving hitch forward to clear bumper mounting bolts and then sliding hitch rearward into position aligning rearmost
holes in hitch with rearmost hole in frame rail, and hole in side of hitch bracket with slot in vertical bumper bracket, as shown. Center hole in hitch side
bracket will line up with existing hole in frame rail. Forward most hole, each side must be drilled.

2. Install hex bolt and flat washer thru hole in hitch side bracket into slot in bumper bracket, each side (see figures 1 and 5). See Figure 1 for proper
hole. Secure with 1/4 x 1-1/2 x 2 block, lock washers and nuts. See figures 1 and 5 for fastener orientation. NOTE
3 block between hitch side bracket and vertical bumper bracket as shown in Figure 1.

3. Using hitch as a template, drill forward holes in frame rail, each side.

4. Slide/push 1/4 x 2.00 x 2.00 blocks and 1/4 x 1-1/2 x 3-1/2 blocks thru end of frame between frame spacer and vehicle crossmember and align with
holes in hitch side bracket (see Figure 2). Fishwire carriage bolts thru slot in frame rail and down thru blocks and side brackets (see Figures 3 and 4).
Secure with lock washers and nuts. NOTE
down thru block and frame rail into side brackets, each side.

Note: check hitch frequently, making sure all fasteners and ball are properly tightened. If hitch is removed, plug all holes in trunk pan or other body panels to
prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes. A hitch or ball which has been damaged should be removed and replaced. Observe safety precautions when working
beneath a vehicle and wear eye protection. Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.

This product complies with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York, V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5
and SAE J684.

: On some models it may be possible to install rearmost carriage bolt thru end of vehicle crossmember and

Tighten all ½-13 GR5 fasteners with torque wrench to 75 Lb.-Ft. (102 N*M)

Tighten all 9/16-12 GR5 fasteners with torque wrench to 120 Lb.-Ft. (163 N*M)

z 2005, 2008 Cequent Towing Products

Hex nut 9/16”Qty. (2)

Flat washer 9/16”Qty. (2)

Block 1/4 x 1-1/2 x 3-1/2Qty. (2)

Block 3/8 x 1-1/2 x 3Qty. (2)

Block 1/4 x 1-1/2 x 2Qty. (2)

Block 1/4 x 2 x 2Qty. (2)

: If necessary, install 3/8 x 1-1/2 x

Rev. D5-9-08N45288Sheet 1 of 2

Form: F205 Rev A 5-6-05

Installation Instructions

Dodge Ram Pick-Up

With or Without O.E.M. Hitch

Long Bed Only

Note: Blocks must be slid/pushed into place before fishwiring bolts.

Vehicle crossmember

Part Numbers:

45288

Vehicle crossmember

Vehicle frame rail

Fishwire carriage bolts thru
slots in frame to bolt holes
2 places each side

Frame spacer

Vehicle frame rail

Frame spacer

Hitch side bracket

Tighten all ½-13 GR5 fasteners with torque wrench to 75 Lb.-Ft. (102 N*M)

Note: check hitch frequently, making sure all fasteners and ball are properly tightened. If hitch is removed, plug all holes in trunk pan or other body panels to
prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes. A hitch or ball which has been damaged should be removed and replaced. Observe safety precautions when working
beneath a vehicle and wear eye protection. Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.

This product complies with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York, V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5
and SAE J684.

Tighten all 9/16-12 GR5 fasteners with torque wrench to 120 Lb.-Ft. (163 N*M)

z 2005, 2008 Cequent Towing Products

Form: F205 Rev A 5-6-05

Rev. D5-9-08N45288Sheet 2 of 2