Towing 7000lbs, 1500 crew..hitch?

69supersport · January 11, 2007

Just bought a car hauler. It 1300lbs on its own, and about 6500lbs(total for both) with my K5 on top. I have a 2005 chevy z71 crew, with 4.10's and the 5.3. Manual says that 8400 is my towing max which is well withing spec. My hitch says that I can tow 5000lbs, my tongue says 5000lbs, and my ball is a 2 5/16's that will do 7500lbs. Got a brake controller already too My question is....whats the best way to safely tow, should I go to a class 4 or 5 trailer hitch, or can I stay with my class 3 hitch and go with a weight distributing unit? I am not in favor of the weight distributing unit, just cause its messy and a pain to hook up, well 5 more mins. But on the other hand, I want to be safe. Looks like both come out to be about the same price, about $220.. thanks in advance

asilverblazer · January 11, 2007

A properly loaded trailer of this size should not need a weight distributing hitch. I personally would feel fine towing with the class III hitch, but if a class IV would make you feel better...

Buggle_96 · January 11, 2007

activesuspension.com

Its the rave and they work awesome for me. Much more stable loads, pick them up at summit for 220 shipped.

redvett · January 11, 2007

I have always used a weight distributing or equlizer on any trailer other than a 2 wheel snowmobile or similar trailer just for the even weight distrobution and added safety. Better safe than sorry.

95Sierra2500 · January 11, 2007

With a half ton truck, you would probably regret not having a weight-distributing hitch (which doesn't have to be Class IV). Typically any time I'm towing more than 4000 lbs I use a weight-distributing hitch if possible. My camper weighs in at about 5000 and with my 3/4 ton I still use a weight-distributing hitch, even though I don't need it.

dewfpo · January 11, 2007

You definitely need a new hitch for that much weight.

DEWFPO

Dans Denali · January 12, 2007

Your hitch is rated for 10k if you use a weight distribution setup. I tow a #7500 travel trailer with both my rigs with no problems. Without the weight distribution hitch you can only tow 5K. I can hook up the bars in 2 minutes and I can tell you it's well worth it after trying to tow without them. You can buy a used setup cheap.

Dan

pm26 · January 12, 2007

My hitch says that I can tow 5000lbs, my tongue says 5000lbs, and my ball is a 2 5/16's that will do 7500lbs.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hmmm, that 5,000 lb tongue rating sounds impressive.

C & A s Dad · January 12, 2007

Mathew, here is my .02 worth.

I would suggest a WD hitch, I personally use an Equal i zer Brand WD hitch and love it. It is easy to use and also controls your sway without additional sway controls. I have also heard some really good things about the Reese Dual Cam. Of course the Hensley Arrow is the best but it cost about $3,000.00 if new.

If you do this, be sure and keep an eye on your reciever. I am pulling 6500 lb with a 900 lb tongue wt and my factory receiver flexed so bad that I could not take full advantage of my WD hitch. I replaced the recvr with a Putnam XDR class V. It is a beast but still has a 2" tube and is not out of reason in price.

I would also strongly suggest you replace your small factory aux trans cooler with a larger one. The OE unit is a stacked plate design which is the best but it is too small for the weight you will be pulling. I would suggest the same design but install one that is 11" by 11" x 3/4". You can buy a unsiversal install kit and it is not a bad job at all. You could also switch to syn fluid at the same time.

Search trans coolers to read more or PM me if you decide to do this and I can share how I did it.

ZZ327 · January 12, 2007

I would just go with the bigger hitch, Not a fan of the weight distributing things.

69supersport · January 12, 2007

Hmmm, that 5,000 lb tongue rating sounds impressive.

lol, for sure.

Thanks to everyone for all of the help, now time to go play with my new toy

Giant · January 12, 2007

I plan to pull a trailor about the size of a u-haul 6X12 cargo trailer... is this something that I should get a WD hitch for? ITs going to be a 1000 mi trip.

Even if the trailor weight is not but half of my hitch weight, will the WD make a difference in the way it pulls?

95Sierra2500 · January 12, 2007

I plan to pull a trailor about the size of a u-haul 6X12 cargo trailer... is this something that I should get a WD hitch for? ITs going to be a 1000 mi trip.

Even if the trailor weight is not but half of my hitch weight, will the WD make a difference in the way it pulls?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It depends more on how much weight than how big the trailer is going to have on it. Towing just the trailer will not make much difference with a WD hitch...If you throw 4000 lbs of steel on it it might.

Giant · January 12, 2007

I was looking at the wind surface of the trailor and wondering if I was going to have to fight with it for 1000 miles, where if a WD hitch helps it track better.... then it might be worth it to buy one just for that.