Trailering noob

[El Z]

I did a search but I have to say I couldn't find the answer to what I was looking for.

 

I am a complete trailering newb, I am adding a curt manufacturing class 3 hitch to my 2004 k1500 wt. I was wondering what kind of ball mount drop i would need to tow a normal trailer (I am moving and am planning on getting a uhaul trailer to cram all my stuff in. I know that my bumper is higher than the stock 2 wheel drive one. Do i need a 2 inch or a 4 inch ball mount?? Also since I don't have the factory trailering package do I need to purchase a t type connector to use the lights on the trailer? oh man so any things... so confusing thanks for the help!!!

[ricko2]

For the electrical, you should get what is called a T-connector, Napa Auto Parts or any truck accessoriy store would carry them, and maybe U-Haul carries them, but , from my 20 years experience, don't let U-Haul do any electrical work on your truck.

 

As far as the Ball mount, I would get that from U-Haul. Thier prices aren't too bad, and that will save you trouble when you get your trailer.

 

good Luck...

[ThorsHD]

uhaul does have the T adaptor. it takes you 2 min to do it your self. I like the one uhaul had because it had the flat 4 wire hook up and the adaptors for the uhaul trailers. as far as the drop shank. uhaul would be fine. the also make a few that you can adjust, so you can use it on more than one truck

[ThorsHD]

here is a link to the reese web sight. it has both.

 

hitches

[El Z]

So is this going to involve me splicing wires myself (which i can do pretty easily or will i just be able to plug it in with an already existing connector?

[ricko2]

So is this going to involve me splicing wires myself (which i can do pretty easily or will i just be able to plug it in with an already existing connector?

 

 

Just plugs in. (sometimes you have to run a ground wire to the frame somewhere)

[El Z]

thanks alot guys! I appreciate it.

[El Z]

Thanks again for the advice. I got a good deal on a curt manufacturing class 3 . Unfortunately it took 4 hours to mount it because nothing would line up correctly!

[c4cruiser]

You should be4 fine with a ball mount with a 3" drop or so. The idea is to have the trailer level with it loaded and attached to the tow vehicle. The trailer tongue weight should be about 10% of the total trailer weight and the load.

 

For a ball, I would go with a 2" ball. You should be able to find mounts and balls ar just about any parts store for around $25 for both. From what the local U-Haul store sells, that's about $15 cheaper!

 

The ball shank is typically 1" in diameter for up to 5000 lbs towing capaicty. The nut for the ball is HUGE!! You may have to take it somewhere to ge the nut tightened with an impact wrench.

[BRZ71]

Just use a large pipe wrench on the nut.

[BurbanZ71]

yeah a pipe wrench works well - might need two. One for the top & one for the bottom.

 

either way you can always rent one at Home Depot or Lowes - buy it, tighten up in the parking lot then return.

[SoCalChris]

Walmart sells a wrench specifically for tightening hitch balls for less than $10. I want to say it was $7.99 or so.

[saltwater_addict]

So do yall trust those adjustable balls that would be nice because i use the tri ball and my truck sits high in the hind end unless it is loaded heavy it rides slightly high at front of trailer, but that thing is solid as can be and makes me feel good, and all the ball sizes are readily available immediately info and experiences on the b&w turn around hitch etc. would be nice to hear