Towing for a NOOB

WhiteyZ71 · October 5, 2005

Yeah so anywhoo, my '98 Z71 did not come with the towing package, but it does however have the factory tranny cooler. So basically I need a hitch and the wiring. I dont think I will have to worry about trailer brakes right away as I wont be towing anything bigger than a small single axle trailer with 2 or 3 quads on it (or should I look into brake control?) I dont have a trailer yet, so should I look for one with brakes? How heavy of a load can I tow without brakes on the trailer? I may also tow a boat from time to time, pretty sure its a 16ft, single axle trailer, not sure if it has brakes or not. So basically I need the hitch itself (looking at the ones that are concealed behind the bumper as I plan on a body lift and dont want too much gap after I raise the rear bumper) also will one of those t-connectors work i've seen for the lights/turn signals? And if you think I should look into an electric brake controller, what would you recommend? Will a class III hitch work for me? I really dont see me towing anything more than what I mentioned above, but I cant say that for sure, better to go bigger now than have to upgrade if I ever do tow anything larger, possibly a car on a bigger car trailer?

Thanks for any help, i'm new to towing

az'03Silverado · October 5, 2005

I have a single-axle flat trailer that has a max weight of 3500lbs and has no brakes. For the most part, single-axle trailers aren't going to have brakes but some do. If it's a boat trailer, it'll probably have it's own surge-brake system because the electric brakes will fry when they get wet. But, for what you're talking, 2 or 3 quads shouldn't require brakes. Just make sure your truck's brakes are up to snuff and leave plenty of stopping room.

For a hitch, get the highest rated one you can afford. At least get one that can handle the truck's maximum tow rating. If you go and get a class III but your truck can tow more then you're limiting yourself with the hitch.

99-2door · October 5, 2005

All autos have the in radiator cooler, but do you also have the aux. cooler in front of the AC condensor?

on the wiring, go ahead and install a 7-way plug on your truck since you are thinking about adding brakes later. The NBS trucks have the 7-way and it is becoming more of a standard. You can get adapters to easily hook up 4-flat, 4-round, 6-round, 5 flat etc trailers. I wouldn't mess with the t-harness, just another connection that can corrode. Find the end of the chassis harness on your truck and it will ahve the 5 wires you need, plus 2 wires that run to the front for you to hook your brake controller and 12v+ feed to.

You won't need more than a CLass III on your 1500, but there are different ratings.

asilverblazer · October 5, 2005

I think a classIII should be fine, and I wouldn't bother with a brake controller, the weight isn't enough to justify the cost.

WhiteyZ71 · October 5, 2005

All autos have the in radiator cooler, but do you also have the aux. cooler in front of the AC condensor?

on the wiring, go ahead and install a 7-way plug on your truck since you are thinking about adding brakes later. The NBS trucks have the 7-way and it is becoming more of a standard. You can get adapters to easily hook up 4-flat, 4-round, 6-round, 5 flat etc trailers. I wouldn't mess with the t-harness, just another connection that can corrode. Find the end of the chassis harness on your truck and it will ahve the 5 wires you need, plus 2 wires that run to the front for you to hook your brake controller and 12v+ feed to.

You won't need more than a CLass III on your 1500, but there are different ratings.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, I have the aux cooler (RPO code KNP). Where is the end of the chassis harness located? So its just basic cutting and splicing to hook up the 7 way plug? And that will allow me to add a brake box if I would ever need one....and I guess I could find the bracket somewhere for the plug, like what comes from the factory on the NBS trucks, the thing that sits to the left of the hitch hanging from the bumpe there

Thanks for the help, and everyone else as well

Dan

mcreyaufmiller · October 6, 2005

Just remember that this is a OBS, but the wiring is still there. IF you look under the truck by the bumper on the drivers side frame rail, you will see a bulge in the wiring harness. This contains all of the wiring for the 7 pin connector. Carefully cut the tape back (watch your fingers and the wires inside) Follow the legend in your owners manual for the wire colors and it should be a snap. This will hook up all of the wiring needed for the brake controller as well, with the execption of two (blue and orange) that are terminated under the brake booster in front of the truck. The orange should be connected to a hot (fused) connection, and the blue should be routed into the cab for the brake controller (to be installed later). If you go with a brake controller, do not cut yourself short, get a good one, but only if yo need it. As for the plug, go to Wally world and get the 7 pin that also has the 4 pin intergrated into it. This way you will not have to buy a converter and you can tow any trailer with either set-up. As for the hitch, I think if you check the books, our trucks list the class IV hitch. A class V will work for up to 10k lbs, but I do not think you will be hauling that much. A class IV will do fine. Just remember, when you get the hitch, people will find things for you to tow for them.

WhiteyZ71 · October 6, 2005

thanks for the help fellow Ohioan

Dans Denali · October 6, 2005

I have had good luck with the 4 prong connector and the t fitting. Most states require trailer brakes above #2000. Your local junkyard should be full of factory tow package hitches for cheap, most every Suburban-Truck came with one, they also had the 7 pin plug on them, just pull it too.

Dan

Stefan · October 6, 2005

Get an auxiallary Tran cooler even with the factory one. They are not heavy duty, and if there is anything that towing will do is eat your Tranny.

Also GET the Trailer brake controller.... They are under $100 and is an integral part of safe towing.....

WhiteyZ71 · October 6, 2005

I have had good luck with the 4 prong connector and the t fitting. Most states require trailer brakes above #2000. Your local junkyard should be full of factory tow package hitches for cheap, most every Suburban-Truck came with one, they also had the 7 pin plug on them, just pull it too.

Dan

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

good idea! I really dont see many OBS trucks without hitches, well other than the one sitting in my driveway