Factory Trailer Hitch On '08 Silverado 1500

[c4cruiser]

I noticed today that the hitch weight rating on my new Silverado 1500 Ext Cab LTZ 4x4 Z71 is for 5000 lbs towed weight and 500 lbs tongue weight according to the label on the tube. On my old 99 Silverado Ext Cab LT 4x4 Z71, the factory hitch was rated for 6000 lbs towed weight and a 600 lb tongue weight as shown on that label. Both weight ratings seem to fall into the Class III hitch rating category

 

My steel 18' car trailer (2000 lbs) and '87 Corvette (3400 lbs) are over the 5K hitch rating by 400 lbs but I also have about 200 lbs of tires on a rack at the front of the trailer. The tongue weight is around 475 lbs so I'm within the limits on the new truck for tongue weight. But what about the weight rating for the towed weight? Can I tow the tralier with no real problems or should I be looking for a aftermarket Class III hitch that is rated for 6000 towed/600 lb tongue weight?

[Outbacker]

I replaced the OEM hitch with a Putnam XDR receiver, and have been quite pleased with it. I tow a travel trailer, and like the feel towing with this hitch as opposed to the OEM. In the past there were some problems with the OEM ones, and a lot of people could not get them off their truck fast enough. In your case, I would look at upgrading to a class 4, or 5 to cover the excess weight. The OEM weight rating is much higher then that, but you will need a WDH to get the full 10K out of it.

 

Cheers.

[c4cruiser]

I won't be towing anything beyond what I tow now and the only thing I can see down the road is a diet for the Corvette at some point to get some weight off.

 

I remember reading posts about problems with some of the early OEM hitches. I just thought it was strange that the new hitch would be rated 1000 lbs less compared to the OEM hitch I had on the 99. Most aftermarket hitches that are considered to be a Class III hitch are usually rated for 6000/600 lbs.

 

I never had a problem towing my trailer with the 99 and did not see any sway even out on the Interstate during a trip up to Coquitlam for an autocross event. A WDH would be definitely be something to have if I had an enclosed trailer. If GM (and the aftermarket) builds in some amount of safety factor in the ratings, I think I'll be OK. If the trailer/load would be over 6K, then I would definitely be looking at aftermarket hitches.