Upgrading Hitch on 1500

[johnhankel]

 

 

 

We no longer have our '10-1500 so I can't post a pic, sorry. But as you see on Etrailers site, it fits very close to the bumper. I couldn't believe the difference either between the two hitches!

 

If the funds allow, go with the most stout hitch you can.

 

You don't use a wd hitch on the car trailer, do you? With a 7k gvwr, it's an open trailer, correct?

It is a tilt open car trailer, so not many options for a wd hitch. I am going to try and get one bought this week. Thanks for the help...

[Blue2500CC]

It is a tilt open car trailer, so not many options for a wd hitch. I am going to try and get one bought this week. Thanks for the help...

YW!!!

[idnative1948]

I can see how that OE hitch will most likely twist when you reef on the equalizer bars. Some scary stuff right there!

[mike94silverado]

I'm replacing my oe hitch with a curt as well I tow 8k loaded trucks rated for 9600 the comparison pic above tells whySent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Piece of mind is worth it.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NEFisher11]

Certainly given me second thoughts but at the moment the heavest thing I tow is about 4k. Now are the hitches on the 14's as chessey as the ones on the 900's?

[Blue2500CC]

I think the 14's have a new hitch design, not sure how they are yet though.

 

I had read about the factory GMT-800/900's hitches being a tin can, but when I watched it twist when "latching" the wd bars it prompted me to replace it. Only bad thing about the new hitch is you will have to adjust your wd setup again!!!

 

Wife thought I was crazy until she watched it at the same time as well!

[Jon A]

The '14 1500's come with a pretty beefy hitch:

 

[ts_hunter]

Here are a couple of pictures from when I put on my Putnam XDR class 5 onto my '05 Sierra. At the time (2009) there was talk of some OEM hitches failing when towing and using a weight distribution hitch. I had a 5200lb camper at the time, so I thought I would upgrade. The new hitch does not hang as low as the original, and it did not have a place for the 7-wire plug in. I put a hole in the bumper and found a flip top plug in like the newer gmt-900 trucks.

 

Sorry for the odd picture links. Flickr is being goofy and they changed the way I used to share my pics. Here they are anyway....

 

 

 

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<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26109279@N03/3525414087/in/photostream/player/" width="500" height="375" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>

[Knepp1bj]

CKNSLS, what do you think about a 2014 1/2 ton, max tow, 3.73 rear end, 5.3/6.2 which puts out 11,200 or 11,500 (or 800) towing a 6700 lb trailer dry weight? Should be more than enough truck.

 

The OP needs to look at the payload amount listed underneath his tires sizes inside the driver's door jam. Here some news-your payload is around 1500 pounds and an 8,000 pound trailer has 1,200 pounds in tongue weight. Add a passenger and your over your legal payload.

 

As a general rule due to "payload" limitations a half ton truck CANNOT TOW it's maximum trailer weight.

 

What does this mean? If your involved in an accident you will be sued for operating a motor vehicle in a negligent manner.

 

education here-

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-tow-vehicles-understand.shtml

[CKNSLS]

CKNSLS, what do you think about a 2014 1/2 ton, max tow, 3.73 rear end, 5.3/6.2 which puts out 11,200 or 11,500 (or 800) towing a 6700 lb trailer dry weight? Should be more than enough truck.

 

The 2014s have a higher payload. You should be OK!

[6.2max]

The OP needs to look at the payload amount listed underneath his tires sizes inside the driver's door jam. Here some news-your payload is around 1500 pounds and an 8,000 pound trailer has 1,200 pounds in tongue weight. Add a passenger and your over your legal payload.

 

As a general rule due to "payload" limitations a half ton truck CANNOT TOW it's maximum trailer weight.

 

What does this mean? If your involved in an accident you will be sued for operating a motor vehicle in a negligent manner.

 

education here-

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-tow-vehicles-understand.shtml

 

An 8000 lb trailer could also have as low as 960 tongue weight (guideline is 12 to 15%) so that leaves about 540 for driver and a passenger.

 

I tow a 9000 lb trailer all the time with my 1500 and I am well within the limits. Have it set for 1080 to 1100 lbs tongue weight (scaled).

Also my payload is right around 1830 and I run E rated tires. So still 730 lbs for passengers and gear.

 

I am not saying everone should do it - but it can be done legally and safely.

[Jon A]

 

An 8000 lb trailer could also have as low as 960 tongue weight (guideline is 12 to 15%) so that leaves about 540 for driver and a passenger.

 

 

Yeah, unless there's something trailer-specific, industry standard is 10% so there's more room if needed. The 2014's most certainly can tow their max and stay within the payload limit.

 

5th wheels on the other hand, are a different story.

[dplarson]

Just because someone installs a lager capacity hitch doesn't mean they will overload the vehicle. Search Goggle Images for chevy OEM hitch failure. Scary stuff. It's why I upgraded. Not to tow more but to be more confident in the quality of my hitch. I also observed the twisting of the OEM hitch when connecting my WD bars. I can also feel in the seat of my pants and in my hands, much more stability with the Curt hitch. I'm a believer.

 

If you want to debate tongue weight, towing capacity, etc. go on over to rv.net, they love to argue the finer points of ratings overt there.

 

Also, the Curt receiver tucks up higher, right up against the bottom of the bumper, not down lower like the other brand that was pictured earlier. Installed pics are out there. I did a write up on that other forum I mentioned.

[6.2max]

If you want to debate tongue weight, towing capacity, etc. go on over to rv.net, they love to argue the finer points of ratings overt there.

 

How can there be a discussion about hitches without mention tongue weight and towing capacity.......they go hand in hand. meehhh.

[Jsdirt]

Here's my OEM hitch ... left side pin hole, worn up and down (as opposed to front to back).

 

 

 

 

Guess I know what I'll be buying to replace it! Thanks guys!