All Things Needed for Towing

Byrds8 · June 12, 2021

This is the first truck I have ever owned. Even though I am not planning to tow in the near future, I would like to go ahead and have the things I may need so its not something I have to go get when the need arises. What all would I need to have to tow properly and safely? Wiring harnesses, balls etc. My truck is at stock height at this time. I tried looking through the manual but I cant say it was a great help to determine the best course of action. So with that said, I defer to the experts here. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

JimCost2014 · June 12, 2021

39 minutes ago, Byrds8 said:

This is the first truck I have ever owned. Even though I am not planning to tow in the near future, I would like to go ahead and have the things I may need so its not something I have to go get when the need arises. What all would I need to have to tow properly and safely? Wiring harnesses, balls etc. My truck is at stock height at this time. I tried looking through the manual but I cant say it was a great help to determine the best course of action. So with that said, I defer to the experts here. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

That is a pretty open ended question.

First, what model, and then what options does your truck have? Does it have the factory brake controller?

What do you plan on towing, small trailer, large trailer/boat, and have you ever towed anything before?

Ball will be determined by tongue on trailer, along with wiring harness, which your truck should accept both 4 pin (non brake), and a 7 pin (with trailer brakes) if it came with the factory towing set up.

So, I have over the years bought different size balls and drawbars to have just in case the need arises. Hitch pins are cheap, Bolt Industries makes pad locks, and the hitch pins that match the key to your truck, so you need one key.

I would figure out what you will be doing, then give yourself enough time to get your supplies.

Byrds8 · June 12, 2021

I have a 2016 LT. It doesn't have the controller to the left of the steering wheel if that is what your are asking.

There is nothing in particular I have planned on towing. Granted I do understand there are roughly 3 standard ball sizes that would go with the trailer you pull. This was more to get what I could in case the need arises. More like I have the money now and would like to get at least most of it.

As for wiring, there are two items near the license plate. I know one is for breaking the trailer from trying to read the manual but not sure what the second one is for.

I havent pulled anything in a long time. When I was a teen, we had a Glastron boat I have towed up to the lake and I have towed my own car on back of a U-Haul. Beside that nothing of a constant nature.

JimCost2014 · June 12, 2021

51 minutes ago, Byrds8 said:

I have a 2016 LT. It doesn't have the controller to the left of the steering wheel if that is what your are asking.

There is nothing in particular I have planned on towing. Granted I do understand there are roughly 3 standard ball sizes that would go with the trailer you pull. This was more to get what I could in case the need arises. More like I have the money now and would like to get at least most of it.

As for wiring, there are two items near the license plate. I know one is for breaking the trailer from trying to read the manual but not sure what the second one is for.

I havent pulled anything in a long time. When I was a teen, we had a Glastron boat I have towed up to the lake and I have towed my own car on back of a U-Haul. Beside that nothing of a constant nature.

You should have something similar in your bumper that looks like this. It has two "doors", one for the four pin connecter, which would be your small (U-Haul) trailer without brakes, and the 7 pin which will work with trailers that have brakes on them.

As far as the other stuff, just buy a 1 7/8", 2", and a 2 5/16" balls, and drawbars for each, or a drawbar that has all 3 sizes on it.

Get a good heavy duty tool bag under you back seat, and put things in it as you go along.

I have hitch pins, drawbar and ball, locks, tow straps, gloves, and so on in mine in case I need to tow something for myself, or a friend.

Edited June 12, 2021 by JimCost2014

JimCost2014 · June 12, 2021

Without the factory controller, for a trailer with brakes, you would need to add an aftermarket unit if you did decide to pull a larger trailer with a brake system set up on it.

Pretty easy addition.

Byrds8 · June 12, 2021

So I do have that to the left of the license plate. There is something else to the right of it.

For the drawbar, how much of a drop should I look for or just a straight one? I did see some with all three balls and it did cross my mind to get it and be done.

So, since I do not have a controller in the cab, the 7pin does me no good because my truck will not break the trailer?

Already on the straps. I had to buy two for when my wife purchased some outdoor chairs from Wal-Mart lol. Need more though. I am thinking of getting tie downs for the bed also. Too bad I didnt have those when they put in the liner.

Byrds8 · June 12, 2021

As for braking, what do you think about the below?

https://accessories.chevrolet.com/product/spectrum™-brake-controller-module-by-curt™-associated-accessories-19418030?vin=3GCPCRECXGG321983&categoryId=98099

JimCost2014 · June 12, 2021

35 minutes ago, Byrds8 said:

So I do have that to the left of the license plate. There is something else to the right of it.

For the drawbar, how much of a drop should I look for or just a straight one? I did see some with all three balls and it did cross my mind to get it and be done.

So, since I do not have a controller in the cab, the 7pin does me no good because my truck will not break the trailer?

Already on the straps. I had to buy two for when my wife purchased some outdoor chairs from Wal-Mart lol. Need more though. I am thinking of getting tie downs for the bed also. Too bad I didnt have those when they put in the liner.

The object to the right is for access to you spare tire, need your key to take the lock out if it is still there.

Drop depends all on the the trailer tongue, I went with a 2" drop just to be safe with my truck at factory height. Works with most trailer I have pulled.

You can still pull a 7 pin trailer, you just will not be able to control the brakes on it, but the lights will still work.

I use these in my bed, like them a lot.

JimCost2014 · June 12, 2021

31 minutes ago, Byrds8 said:

As for braking, what do you think about the below?

https://accessories.chevrolet.com/product/spectrum™-brake-controller-module-by-curt™-associated-accessories-19418030?vin=3GCPCRECXGG321983&categoryId=98099

Yea, I like that one.

Check out MikeBMW's profile, he has a blue one installed at his local dealership.

He some good pictures so you can see how it looks.

Maybe even PM him for more info if he does not chime in.

Edited June 12, 2021 by JimCost2014

Byrds8 · June 12, 2021

I really appreciate all the advise and help. I have owned six Camaros in my day and finally decided I needed a truck. Looking back, wish I would have found a good deal on one with a Duramax engine but its all good. I love my truck for sure. Just purchased some new wheels for her too. Should be in in a week.

JimCost2014 · June 12, 2021

32 minutes ago, Byrds8 said:

I really appreciate all the advise and help. I have owned six Camaros in my day and finally decided I needed a truck. Looking back, wish I would have found a good deal on one with a Duramax engine but its all good. I love my truck for sure. Just purchased some new wheels for her too. Should be in in a week.

You are very welcome.

Post some pictures of the mods and the new wheels.

Byrds8 · June 12, 2021

New wheels will not be here til next week. Havent modded the truck too much yet other than debadging, black bow ties, catch can, tint, modular intake tube and drop in filter.

JimCost2014 · June 12, 2021

2 minutes ago, Byrds8 said:

Havent modded the truck too much yet other than debadging, black bow ties, catch can, tint, modular intake tube and drop in filter.

Think to most, that is a few things

Byrds8 · June 12, 2021

Forgot catback lol. Well my last ride was a 2013 Camaro SS. It had the badging changed out to the old script, coil overs and lowered, extremely light weight wheels, full exhaust to include LTs, CAI, Tuned, two 10" subs, sub amp, heritage grill, catch can, tint. Thats what I can think of atm lol.

Byrds8 · June 12, 2021

Here is a picture of the front of the truck though. I will post images of the new wheels after she gets them on. They only weight 28 lbs also :D. Dropping about 6lbs per of unsprung weight. Gotta call that a win. Forgot, that antenna is no longer there either. I got a much shorter one.

Edited June 12, 2021 by Byrds8