Replacement Hitch Recomendations...

[ts_hunter]

I want to replace the factory hitch on my '05 Sierra 1/2 ton. I have seen posts here and there on hitch failures and also how non-OEM hitches give better performance when using an Equal-i-zer hitch. I pull a 5,300lb Travel trailer, so I want to get the most out of my Equalizer hitch. Any recommendations on what brand of replacement hitch to get?

[jrrod2004]

I want to replace the factory hitch on my '05 Sierra 1/2 ton. I have seen posts here and there on hitch failures and also how non-OEM hitches give better performance when using an Equal-i-zer hitch. I pull a 5,300lb Travel trailer, so I want to get the most out of my Equalizer hitch. Any recommendations on what brand of replacement hitch to get?

 

Brand does not really matter so long as it is from a reputable company with a class of at least 3, I personally recommend 4.

[CapitalTruck]

Make sure you get one that doesn't utilize those bolts into the bumper in any way, shape form (the ones under the license plate). A good hitch doesn't need to be connected to anything but the frame.

[Guest Riggs]

Drawtite..

 

i think the easiest hitch EVER to install on anything... plus for your truck they make everything from a Class 2 - class 5....

 

except jetta's, i had to do one of those last week and holy crap did that suck.....

[95Sierra2500]

Drawtite, Reese, Curt, they're all good brands. Whatever you do, don't get a 'universal' one. Get a hitch that is specific to your vehicle. It will use pre-existing bolt holes in your frame to attach. Also, as others have said, get at least a class III hitch, preferably a class IV. If you're really crazy you can try to get a class V but I doubt you'd ever need that much.

[Outbacker]

I replaced my OEM hitch on my 2005 Sierra with a Putnam XDR receiver, and it was sweet. It made a huge difference when towing, so when I got the 2008 Sierra, I took the hitch with me and it bolted right on.

 

Look for a hitch that bolts to the frame of the truck, not the rear bumper and frame. That is one of the faults of the OEM hitch: it bolts to the bumper and the frame. Any bounce from the trailer is transmitted to the bumber first, then the frame thereby not allowing a WDH to do its job. Putnam is the one I will recommend, and the reason I went with the XDR (class V hitch) is it is a beefier hitch. I wish I had taken a photo of the OEM laying next the Putnam. it was like night and day.

[Diabs]

Drawtite, Reese, Curt, they're all good brands. Whatever you do, don't get a 'universal' one. Get a hitch that is specific to your vehicle. It will use pre-existing bolt holes in your frame to attach. Also, as others have said, get at least a class III hitch, preferably a class IV. If you're really crazy you can try to get a class V but I doubt you'd ever need that much.

 

I second the above....I have a Drawtite class IV/V made for my Yuk. Great hitch will tow more than I need. Took all of an hour to install, should outlast my trailer!

[C & A s Dad]

I replaced my OEM hitch on my 2005 Sierra with a Putnam XDR receiver, and it was sweet. It made a huge difference when towing, so when I got the 2008 Sierra, I took the hitch with me and it bolted right on.

 

Look for a hitch that bolts to the frame of the truck, not the rear bumper and frame. That is one of the faults of the OEM hitch: it bolts to the bumper and the frame. Any bounce from the trailer is transmitted to the bumber first, then the frame thereby not allowing a WDH to do its job. Putnam is the one I will recommend, and the reason I went with the XDR (class V hitch) is it is a beefier hitch. I wish I had taken a photo of the OEM laying next the Putnam. it was like night and day.

 

 

+1 for the Putnam. I changed out my OE "Flex o Rama" hitch and it made a tremendous difference in the the way my Equal i zer performed. The Putnam XDR is a Class V man of a hitch and likely more than you need. However, too much hitch is kind of like having too much fun or a woman that is too good looking.

 

Putnam is a major supplier for 1 ton utility bed companies where they install utility beds on and hitches on cab only 1 ton work trucks. They use Putnam for a reason.

 

Also know, I work for a company who sells Valley Tow Rite and they offer a good reciever but they are not in the class with a Putnam.