Hitch Questions

[Schmids5.3l]

Tommorrow Im looking into dropping my hitch, since I dont use it often enough for it to be usefull, and its probobly got some decent weight to it. Are there any problems to watch out for and is it a simple process? I guess im wondering if the leafs/shocks, rear axle, or anything in general has to be moved or temporarily removed in order to remove the hitch/reciever. I'll keep it in the garage since I occasionally tow. Thanks

[C & A s Dad]

The OE Hitch can be on the groun in less than 10 minutes if I remember correctly. I pulled mine about a year ago and replaced it with a heavier Class V hitch.

 

I guess every pound counts, but I can tell you the OE Hitch is not very heavy. I am not at home right now to weigh mine but my guess is that it weighs less than 20 lbs.

[Schmids5.3l]

Less than 20 lbs! Thats much lighter than I thought, maybe I wont do this then, thanks Trey!

[C & A s Dad]

Sam, If I can remember, I will weigh mine when I get home and let you know. If I can remember, the Putnam that I put on weighed 47 lbs and the OE hitch was much lighter.

[Schmids5.3l]

Thanks! Dont worry about putting it on your things to do list, but if you get around to it let me know

[kdirectorate]

I removed mine a while back. Mine was made by DrawTite. It wasn't terribly heavy and I think had just the 6 bolts. My spare tire was already out though. I've heard that the spare and hitch get in each other's way on occasion.

 

As an aside, I removed my bumper a few weeks ago as well. I noticed right away that my rear end is much looser without something tying the frame rails together. I'm going with a roll pan/hidden hitch setup. The hitch will hopefully stiffen the rear back up again. If you occasionally tow, then I recommend you keep it mounted.

[samsauce29]

Just had mine off for powdercoating last week. I'd say it's in the 30 lb. range.

 

It comes off with 8 bolts... I used 13/16" sockets (deep well will help on some of the bolts) although they may be metric... who knows?

 

Hope this helps a bit.