Factory Hitch - Problems?

silversub · October 6, 2004

I have a 2004 Suburban w/factory tow package.

I remember reading some comments on this board in the past about problems with the factory hitch. I don't remember specifics but do occasionally read negative comments about the factory set-up.

Are there really problems with the factory hitch? I use the Suburban to tow my classic car on a trailer several times a year - about 6,000 lbs total.

Thanks.

Wingnut · October 6, 2004

I towed 6k lbs every weekend for the better part of a year on my 02s factory hitch, and 6k lbs quite a bit on my 92s factory hitch for the better part of 8 years.

0 problems what-so-ever.

DJinCO · October 6, 2004

I didn't have a problem with mine, but I changed it out before I had a problem. I work with a guy who has a catastrophic failure of his stock hitch while towing a 7000 lb Travel Trailer with his 01 2500HD. First hand knowledge and I saw it with my own eyes. No hearsay.

I changed my hitch to a Class V Putnam. The added benefit was that the hitch does not connect to the bumper, only to the frame. That is important if you are using a weight distributing hitch, you need the weight to go to the frame, not the bumper. That allows the weight to be equally distributed to the front.

It was only about $150 with shipping, and it makes me feel better while towing. Quite a stout difference in the weight between the factory hitch and the Putnam also! The Putnam is built to handle the load and then some!

Cheers, Doug

Wingnut · October 7, 2004

I changed my hitch to a Class V Putnam. The added benefit was that the hitch does not connect to the bumper, only to the frame. That is important if you are using a weight distributing hitch, you need the weight to go to the frame, not the bumper. That allows the weight to be equally distributed to the front.

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Both of my factory hitches connect directly to the frame. I don't tow anything with a bumper...Never will either.

silversub · October 7, 2004

Yes, my factory hitch is bolted directly to the frame.

Thanks for the info. I'll worry about something else.

DJinCO · October 7, 2004

I don't want to rain on your parade, but go out and look at your hitch. Find the square receiver hole. Look directly above that hole. See those two flanges that come off the receiver, they go up to the bumper and are attached with two bolts.

Haven't seen a late model GM truck with a FACTORY hitch that doesn't connect in this manner. Yes, it is also connected to the frame with 3 bolts on each side, but is also connected with two bolts just under the step of the back bumper.

If your's doesn't, then by all means excuse me. Your's is one of a kind!

Cheers, Doug

DJinCO · October 7, 2004

Here's a thread to a Suburban with hitch failure. Photos are in the thread.

Maybe that will help with your decision.

http://rv.net/forum/Index.cfm/fuseaction/t...ng/1/page/1.cfm

Cheers, Doug

Shawn T · October 7, 2004

I don't want to rain on your parade, but go out and look at your hitch. Find the square receiver hole. Look directly above that hole. See those two flanges that come off the receiver, they go up to the bumper and are attached with two bolts.

Haven't seen a late model GM truck with a FACTORY hitch that doesn't connect in this manner. Yes, it is also connected to the frame with 3 bolts on each side, but is also connected with two bolts just under the step of the back bumper.

If your's doesn't, then by all means excuse me. Your's is one of a kind!

Cheers, Doug

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Doug,

Your definately right, but. There is still six frame bolts. Thats the same amount as a Dodge or a Ford. The bumber bolts are for bumper tongue weight support. I seen the same thing happen to an 03 Ram. The # of frame bolts are not the problem. It is the weld between the hitch frame itself and the flange that the bolts run through. If any thing it is a freek accident and I would trust my hitch anyday over an aftermarket. I seen GM guys time and time again push these hitches over their limits and they hold up very well.