New From Co

[ndjgm]

Towing with a 2006 Silverado 2500 HD diesel LT - trailer hitch was part of the "trailering package" on the vehicle when I bought it in October 2005 off the lot.

 

My original hitch had very poor welds on the passenger side of the receiver and it failed non-catastrophically as follows.

 

After towing a 29 ft. 7500 lb trailer for four years I just experienced a "soft" hitch failure. I towed my trailer to a car wash on 8/6/10 and pulled into the bay. When I got out to start washing I had to step over the hitch and I noticed my tow-bar was at an angle; closer inspection showed that the receiver U-bracket had sheared on the passenger-side of the truck and only the bolt on the driver-side was keeping things together. I was able to slowly drive to a repair shop and detach the trailer. This AM I got a new hitch installed and the mechanic said that bad original welds on the passenger side of the hitch receiver had put most of the strain on the upper bend of the U-bracket and it finally failed. He gave me the receiver and the bad welds are apparent.

 

So get a flashlight and check your hitch receiver welds closely folks!

[rockcrusherrevived]

here in Canada it is the law to do a commercial vehile inspection every 24 hr. when driving any vehicle comercial or not i'm always looking for anything abnormal

[leg7228]

I check my tow hitch at least once a year, usually at the start of towing season. I just climb under and tap it with the hammer. I had to replace a GM OEM hitch after only five years and I don't tow anything too heavy. Rust due to road salt has been my enemy.