What Class Hitch Receiver Do I Have On My 2500hd?

tomseeley · December 9, 2009

I just thought of this question. Shoulda thought of it before I took delivery but ...

I just bought a 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD duramax, to replace the 2002 that I finally got tired of fixing. I have the factory-installed hitch receiver on it. But I don't honestly know if it's a true class V hitch receiver or not. I can check the paperwork, of course, and ask the dealer, and I will, eventually, but for now I thought I'd ask here if anyone happens to know off the top of your head if that truck typically has a true Class V hitch receiver on it. I know the 2002 I bought in 2005 did not, which is why I upgraded to a Putnam Class V XDR receiver. I'd like to know if that'd be a smart upgrade again, on the new truck.

Big black truck · December 9, 2009

I just thought of this question. Shoulda thought of it before I took delivery but ...

I just bought a 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD duramax, to replace the 2002 that I finally got tired of fixing. I have the factory-installed hitch receiver on it. But I don't honestly know if it's a true class V hitch receiver or not. I can check the paperwork, of course, and ask the dealer, and I will, eventually, but for now I thought I'd ask here if anyone happens to know off the top of your head if that truck typically has a true Class V hitch receiver on it. I know the 2002 I bought in 2005 did not, which is why I upgraded to a Putnam Class V XDR receiver. I'd like to know if that'd be a smart upgrade again, on the new truck.

Can't answer you, but I have pulled skidsteers. campers etc on a class 1V with no worries. I have just installed a draw rite hide away gooseneck for pulling my backhoe.

5-0stank · December 9, 2009

I've pulled cars w/ my 09, my buddy has pulled cars and skidsteers w/ his 08, both w/ the factory receiver.

cvandegna · December 9, 2009

If memory serves it should be a class IV, and should be stamped right there on it. Honestly, unless you plan on towing more than 10K you good. I drag cars and my 8800 pound camper with no issues.

Roofer · December 10, 2009

I just thought of this question. Shoulda thought of it before I took delivery but ...

I just bought a 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD duramax, to replace the 2002 that I finally got tired of fixing. I have the factory-installed hitch receiver on it. But I don't honestly know if it's a true class V hitch receiver or not. I can check the paperwork, of course, and ask the dealer, and I will, eventually, but for now I thought I'd ask here if anyone happens to know off the top of your head if that truck typically has a true Class V hitch receiver on it. I know the 2002 I bought in 2005 did not, which is why I upgraded to a Putnam Class V XDR receiver. I'd like to know if that'd be a smart upgrade again, on the new truck.

Was your 02 a Dmax?

They were rated for 12,000 I believe. If you plan to tow heavy (more than 6k) make sure your ball and hitch are rated for it also. Anything close to or over 12K, I wouldn't put on a factory hitch anyhow. Gooseneck is the way to go, IMO.

tomseeley · December 10, 2009

I just thought of this question. Shoulda thought of it before I took delivery but ...

I just bought a 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD duramax, to replace the 2002 that I finally got tired of fixing. I have the factory-installed hitch receiver on it. But I don't honestly know if it's a true class V hitch receiver or not. I can check the paperwork, of course, and ask the dealer, and I will, eventually, but for now I thought I'd ask here if anyone happens to know off the top of your head if that truck typically has a true Class V hitch receiver on it. I know the 2002 I bought in 2005 did not, which is why I upgraded to a Putnam Class V XDR receiver. I'd like to know if that'd be a smart upgrade again, on the new truck.

Was your 02 a Dmax?

They were rated for 12,000 I believe. If you plan to tow heavy (more than 6k) make sure your ball and hitch are rated for it also. Anything close to or over 12K, I wouldn't put on a factory hitch anyhow. Gooseneck is the way to go, IMO.

Yeah the 02 was a 2500 HD dmax. At the time, earlier in the decade, there was a fair amount of talk on RV boards (but not, I admit, truck boards) that the GM OEM hitch receivers in the early 200x models were subject to a fair amount of hitch flex when towing heavier RVs. Mine tops out at around 8,300# so I qualified for "heavier". And a good friend with many years experience in heavy trucks and heavy RVs, whose advice I take with a great deal of respect, strongly suggested I upgrade to the Putnam class V at that time. That's the only reason I'm curious now.

On the other hand, I haven't even moved the RV out of our driveway yet with the new truck, so I really have no experience at all with the new rig, regardless of what class it is or what it's rated for! So I'm still curious...

98silvz71 · December 10, 2009

I just thought of this question. Shoulda thought of it before I took delivery but ...

I just bought a 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD duramax, to replace the 2002 that I finally got tired of fixing. I have the factory-installed hitch receiver on it. But I don't honestly know if it's a true class V hitch receiver or not. I can check the paperwork, of course, and ask the dealer, and I will, eventually, but for now I thought I'd ask here if anyone happens to know off the top of your head if that truck typically has a true Class V hitch receiver on it. I know the 2002 I bought in 2005 did not, which is why I upgraded to a Putnam Class V XDR receiver. I'd like to know if that'd be a smart upgrade again, on the new truck.

Was your 02 a Dmax?

They were rated for 12,000 I believe. If you plan to tow heavy (more than 6k) make sure your ball and hitch are rated for it also. Anything close to or over 12K, I wouldn't put on a factory hitch anyhow. Gooseneck is the way to go, IMO.

Yeah the 02 was a 2500 HD dmax. At the time, earlier in the decade, there was a fair amount of talk on RV boards (but not, I admit, truck boards) that the GM OEM hitch receivers in the early 200x models were subject to a fair amount of hitch flex when towing heavier RVs. Mine tops out at around 8,300# so I qualified for "heavier". And a good friend with many years experience in heavy trucks and heavy RVs, whose advice I take with a great deal of respect, strongly suggested I upgrade to the Putnam class V at that time. That's the only reason I'm curious now.

On the other hand, I haven't even moved the RV out of our driveway yet with the new truck, so I really have no experience at all with the new rig, regardless of what class it is or what it's rated for! So I'm still curious...

Well I wouldn't be worried. I tow anything and everything with my 04 Dmax stock hitch. And our brand new 09 Dmax has a 2.5inch receiver instead of the standard 2 inch. It even comes with an adaptor for 2.5" to 2". So what that says to me is fear not, she'll pull what you got and without worry.

96chevy7.4L · December 10, 2009

Anything over 8500 total to me necessitates a gooseneck for me. After the gooseneck and 5th wheels bumper pulls and tag alongs are PITA. jUst my opinion.