Getting Ready To Tow 5000lbs

tnord · August 18, 2008

i just bought an 08 crew cab 4x4 LT2 with the Z71 package and 18'' wheels on tuesday. i love the truck, but it's missing the tow package, so i basically have to piece that together. i'm hauling my ~2250lb car hauler and 2100lb race car about 200 miles in two weeks, and i need to get the truck ready.

i put splash guards on yesterday, and i need to go get a hitch this week along with a brake controller as my 18' H&H car hauler has dual axle electric brakes. i know i'm probably going to get the tekonsha prodigy brake controller, but what do i need as far as wiring harnesses both to the controller and to the 7-pin connector on the bumper?

any suggestions on hitches? i've done some searching for a draw-tite, but it looks like they can only handle 6000lbs without weight distribution, and i like to have a little more wiggle room than that just in case i load up something bigger than my 2100lb miata race car. putnam doesn't seem to make anything for my application.

anyone installed a hitch themselves? it can't be hard if there are already holes predrilled where they need to be. i've built engines and transmissions before, so i'm pretty mechanically inclined if i need to take some stuff apart first.

i'm holding off on the transmission cooler for now. according to some GM engineers, the transmission doesn't need it, but people insist on having it, so they offer it as part of the tow package. i plan on keeping a close eye on the temps.

thanks.

MS3DALE · August 18, 2008

Why don't you get the GM accessory hitch pkg?...It will give you what you need.

Also...The harness for the brake controller is already under the dash,and the GM hitch pkg. gives you the 7-way connector receptacle w/door that goes in the bumper to plug the trailer harness into.

tnord · August 18, 2008

based on past reports of hitch failures, and because the OEM hitch attaches to the bumper also, i think there's probably better ones out there. as typical, if you know where to look, aftermarket stuff is better and cheaper than OEM. OEM is only rated for 5k lbs right? if i put a regular size sedan on my trailer i'd be over that by a good bit.

after some more searching, i found this one from draw-tite that should be much more than i need, which i like.

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-H~41937.htm?vehicleid=20089906

alaska511 · August 18, 2008

based on past reports of hitch failures, and because the OEM hitch attaches to the bumper also, i think there's probably better ones out there. as typical, if you know where to look, aftermarket stuff is better and cheaper than OEM.

i found this one from draw-tite that should be much more than i need, which i like.

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-H~41937.htm?vehicleid=20089906

valid concern, but they got thier shit together on the new hitches...I tow 6500#

tnord · August 18, 2008

what is the OEM hitch rated for? is it still 5000lbs?

alaska511 · August 18, 2008

yeah, 10,500 with WD hitch

Outbacker · August 18, 2008

I would get the tranny cooler installed sooner then later, and make sure the cooler is rated for the GCVWR. Good idea for the Prodigy, highly recommended. As far as a hitch, I would recommend the a class 4 or 5. Since you are going to put out some coin for a hitch, may as well as get a strong one. And ensure that it bolts right to the frame as opposed to the frame and the rear bumper like the OEM hitch. Shame that Putnam does not make one for your truck. Did you call them and ask? Their web site does not have my truck on it, but they do carry one for it. The Putnam XDR is the way to go. I would call and check.

There are other options such as a HD alternator and air filter, but it seems like you got it all, or at least have the information to tow safely.

svensk · August 18, 2008

I would get the tranny cooler installed sooner then later, and make sure the cooler is rated for the GCVWR. Good idea for the Prodigy, highly recommended. As far as a hitch, I would recommend the a class 4 or 5. Since you are going to put out some coin for a hitch, may as well as get a strong one. And ensure that it bolts right to the frame as opposed to the frame and the rear bumper like the OEM hitch. Shame that Putnam does not make one for your truck. Did you call them and ask? Their web site does not have my truck on it, but they do carry one for it. The Putnam XDR is the way to go. I would call and check.
There are other options such as a HD alternator and air filter, but it seems like you got it all, or at least have the information to tow safely.

Doesn't the OEM become a class V with a WD?

alaska511 · August 18, 2008

I would get the tranny cooler installed sooner then later, and make sure the cooler is rated for the GCVWR. Good idea for the Prodigy, highly recommended. As far as a hitch, I would recommend the a class 4 or 5. Since you are going to put out some coin for a hitch, may as well as get a strong one. And ensure that it bolts right to the frame as opposed to the frame and the rear bumper like the OEM hitch. Shame that Putnam does not make one for your truck. Did you call them and ask? Their web site does not have my truck on it, but they do carry one for it. The Putnam XDR is the way to go. I would call and check.
There are other options such as a HD alternator and air filter, but it seems like you got it all, or at least have the information to tow safely.

Doesn't the OEM become a class V with a WD?

yes

tnord · August 18, 2008

I would get the tranny cooler installed sooner then later, and make sure the cooler is rated for the GCVWR. Good idea for the Prodigy, highly recommended. As far as a hitch, I would recommend the a class 4 or 5. Since you are going to put out some coin for a hitch, may as well as get a strong one. And ensure that it bolts right to the frame as opposed to the frame and the rear bumper like the OEM hitch. Shame that Putnam does not make one for your truck. Did you call them and ask? Their web site does not have my truck on it, but they do carry one for it. The Putnam XDR is the way to go. I would call and check.
There are other options such as a HD alternator and air filter, but it seems like you got it all, or at least have the information to tow safely.

i was the same way on the tranny cooler at first. i called my friend who is the parts manager at superior chevrolet, who supplies all the parts to the Phoenix guys down in florida if you're familiar with the road racing scene, and is also a hendrick dealer. he said that when he went out for training on the new trucks, the GM engineers that were there told them that the truck doesn't need a cooler, but that everyone thinks it's a must, so they offer it. i'm pulling <100miles each way, so i'll just keep an eye on it for now.

i'm trying to find a hitch with about an 8000lb capacity without the weight distribution. i can find lots of 6000, and a few 10,000 but that's about it. given the choice, i'll probably spend the extra $50 and get the 10,000lb one which is probably a class IV or V. i didn't call putnam, i just checked their site. but if they make one for yours, i'd bet they have one for mine also. what did the XDR cost you?

Outbacker · August 18, 2008

what did the XDR cost you?

I paid a lot more then you would if you are in the US. I cannot recall the price, but it at least 1/3 what I paid. I paid $450.00 Cdn for it, but it is worth it.

When i switched from the OEM to the Putnam, the truck and trailer performed as one unit. Even with the WDH, you can tell there was a trailer there by the bounce because the OEM hitch 's first point of contact is where it is bolted to the bumper. The WDH cannot do its job. The Putnam is bolted to the hitch, so any bounce fron the trailer is transmitted and absorbed by the truck frame. It is almost like the OEM hitch was flexing and due to the round tube (Putnam is square tube) and it made for an uncomfortable tow.

nbscanuck · August 18, 2008

Air bags are a good addition. Takes the hobby horse feeling and really stabilizes the ride.

tnord · August 18, 2008

i looked at the XDR and i think that would be COMPLETE overkill. however, the putnam class IV looks like a pretty good option. i can't find anyone that carries it though, any suggestions?

c4cruiser · August 19, 2008

When I bought my 2000lb steel open deck trailer to haul my 87 Vette, I had to look around for a good 2" hitch ball. The trailer had a Bulldog hitch and it's designed for a 2" ball. Most balls are stamped with a 5000 lb rating but I did find one rated for 6000lb.

Most slugs are also rated at 5000 lb but many trailer and RV places will have ones rated for higher towing capacity.

The tranny cooler is a good idea. Get one that is a "stacked plate" design as they will provide better cooling for the size compared to a tube design.

I just installed a pair of Air-Lift air bags on my 99 Silverado Z71. Their primary purpose is to keep the truck and trailer level and not increase the weight carrying capacity like overload springs will. I only need about 15-20 psi in them to level the truck and trailer.