CURT 31017 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch for Dodge Ram

Curated from 82 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: December 2, 2024

CURT 31017 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch for Dodge Ram

Brand: CURT
Price: $209
Snoop Score:
7.3
Sentiment
7.4
Popularity
9.1
Technical
9.6

Snoop's Take

The CURT 31017 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch is designed for select Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models, allowing users to add a versatile hitch receiver to the front of their vehicle. This hitch enables the attachment of various accessories such as cargo carriers, bike racks, and tow hooks, making it an ideal solution for those who need enhanced functionality for towing and recovery tasks. User feedback highlights the hitch's ease of installation, with many consumers noting that "super easy install" and "it doesn't interfere with turning the trailer" were common sentiments. Additionally, the versatility for parking trailers and recovery towing is frequently praised, with users stating that it is "very handy for parking my trailers" and serves as a great option for front recovery. However, some users have pointed out issues like poor approach angles and weight distribution problems when using the hitch for certain applications. Overall, the CURT 31017 Front Receiver Hitch is recommended for those looking for a reliable and versatile front hitch solution, especially for DIY enthusiasts who appreciate its straightforward installation and adaptability for various towing needs.

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very handy for parking my trailers.

Positive Feedback

Definitely way more of a pain in the ass to install the rack though.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.3
CURT 31017 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch for Dodge Ram
Accessory Mounting
1 / 10
Towing Recovery
1 / 10
Snow Plowing & Cargo Carrying
1 / 10
Vehicle Stability Enhancement
1 / 10
See how this compares to all Front Mount Receiver Hitch

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Handy for parking trailers
very handy for parking my trailers.
The Odyssey is so much easier to park in cities than a pickup.
Versatile for attaching various accessories
Do a search on Google and you’ll find some information. There’s some discussion on the gladiator for
If / when I upgrade to a 2500 I’m going to do this for the bikes!
Has anyone used the motorcycle hitch carrier? Good-Bad? I just moved and need to transport my motorc
Useful for recovery towing
This way you can see the shame on the jeep owners face.
This is the answer, it's for front recovery.
Versatile for moving trailers in tight spaces
But now a cradle is easy and some Anderson plugs fore and aft would be quite versatile.
Easy to install
This gives me a good bit of confidence going into installing my own hitch later this month.
I’m an absolute idiot but I was able to install this exact hitch on my ‘23 with no problem.
Super easy install
Not a sound, and it blends in nicely visually.
Provides good confidence for DIY installation
But nope it was nothing.
I’ve never had any issues.
Cost-effective compared to dealer installation
I like it a lot.
Reliable strength for various towing needs
I've had (2) Honda Groms on mine for almost 15,000 miles without any issue.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Poor approach angle when using the front hitch
Definitely way more of a pain in the ass to install the rack though.
It looks like it hangs low enough that it'd hit parking blocks.
the aluminum section of frame developed stress cracks-it’s just not a great design.
Weight distribution issues with front-mounted hitch
Damn thing was so rickety it permanently bent putting the bike on it.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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CURT 31053 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch for Ford E-SeriesCURT 31053 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch for Ford E-Series$177
7.3
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CURT 31017 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch for Dodge RamCURT 31017 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch for Dodge Ram$209
7.3
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CURT 31092 2-Inch Front Receiver HitchCURT 31092 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch$207
7.2
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CURT 31180 Front Receiver Hitch for Toyota Sequoia & TundraCURT 31180 Front Receiver Hitch for Toyota Sequoia & Tundra$196
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CURT 31071 Front Receiver Hitch for Chevy and GMCCURT 31071 Front Receiver Hitch for Chevy and GMC$199
6.5
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CURT 31109 Front Receiver Hitch for Chevrolet Silverado & GMC SierraCURT 31109 Front Receiver Hitch for Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra$193
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Draw-Tite Front Mount Receiver for Chevrolet Silverado & GMC SierraDraw-Tite Front Mount Receiver for Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra$175
4.0
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about winch mount capabilities
A portable winch mount?
Comments on modifying vehicle setups for better performance
Road Armor makes a rear winch bumper and honestly that is more useful for 90% of truck owners.
Our work truck f550 has the extended bumper w/ winch and it sticks out like a foot but from a distance doesn't look out of place.
Discussion about trailer weight and tongue weight balance
too little weight can cause sway. Conversely, weight up front increases tongue weight and could put you over the limit if you're close.
I'd get a hitch scale and use the bicycle rack to fine tune your tongue weight so it's a good match for the trailer's weight.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion about modifying winch mounts
I'm sure it wouldn't be tough to modify a winch mount to have a receiver that pokes through the bumper.
I like the look of the rear bumper and wanted something to carry my tire so I can have more room in the back for my pup lol.
Discussion about potential modifications for carrying heavier items
I think you might need to beef up the suspension but it's possible.
Discussion about modifying vehicle setups for better performance
this sits no lower than that (it's steal instead of plastic though)
Discussion about rear hitch options for RV when front is occupied
Can you mount (or have) a rear hitch for the RV? Just a thought.
Discussion on alternative mounting options for bike racks
so I can use my Yakima holdup bike rack and also tow my camp trailer.
I think it would be easier to put a 2” receiver on the back of your trailer than on the front of your element.
Wouldn't really need more than a 200lb tongue weight, especially if you only have a holdup 2.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion about trailer setups and storage challenges
Safer with a trailer setup?
spending the time to unfold and put it together every time made it too big a barrier to make me want to actually use it.
Discussion on alternative brands for front hitches
I put one on from Hard Rock 4x4. Steel bumper, room for winch, and a 2” receiver.
Sorry, I lied…it’s Rock Hard 4x4!
Throttle Down Kustoms has em. Expensive, but nice.
Discussion about options for winch mounts and compatibility
I hate the look of the front hitch and don’t want to spend the $$$ on a new bumper.
I went with a front mounted hitch and a winch in a cradle, I hate it.
Discussion about the high cost of professional installation
Overall 10/10 would do it again to save $750.
Questions about camping compatibility with vehicle towing capacity
What small camper do you have that can be towed by the Crosstrek? Everything I am looking at is too heavy.
Lack of information about compatibility with 2022 Lightning
I’m assuming they’re good if it’s the same f150 platform but I’m not seeing anything that actually confirms that.
Unfortunately, you probably won’t see much out there on this.
Absolutely useless lol.
Compatibility concerns with 2022 Lightning and air dam
I’m assuming they’re good if it’s the same f150 platform but I’m not seeing anything that actually confirms that.
Neither of those will work due to the auto air dam; I would call TorkLift on Monday and ask them about their x7913s.
Concerns about front suspension weight capacity for F-150
the F-150 has a much weaker front suspension that might not be able to handle additional weight without mods to the front suspension.
Mention of etrailer.com as a resource for front hitch options
Check out etrailer.com they had a front hitch for my 2016 F150...

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Concerns about structural integrity of bike racks on trailers
Most travel trailers can't properly handle a bike rack hanging off the back.
Discussion about experiences with hitch brands
Just picked up my first RAV4 (2022 Hybrid Limited) and would like to have a hitch installed.
But if the online pictures are anything to go by, it looks like the curt is a straight bar.
Everything held up fine.
Have you considered getting the OEM Toyota hitch?

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