Trailer Hitch

[Matt Garcia]

So the wife gets a new ride over the weekend (Tahoe) and I decide to buy a hitch for it. After calculating the total weight of the boat, trailer, gas etc I came up with roughly 5655 pounds give or take a hundred pounds. This would then make my tongue weight between 560-600 pounds (10% of total weight). I drive to a few Walmarts and a U haul to search for a hitch and trailer ball that is rated for the correct amount. It appears that trying to find a receiver for this size is few and far between. It seems that most, if not all of them are rated for 5000 pounds max trailer weight and 500 pounds max tongue weight. Which then makes me think, is my current hitch rated for the correct amount (don’t have my hitch with me since I can’t tell)? Then I also wonder if my previous truck hitch had the correct rating?

So my question is does everyone have there hitch rated for the right amount? Also where the hell can you find a 5 ¼ drop hitch rated for 6000 pounds and 600 tongue weight?

[Timmy!]

I had the same problem for my Avalanche. Reese makes heavier duty one's but not many places carry them. I needed a 3 1/4 (2" rise is what I really needed) for mine and found the Stainless steel one at Advance Auto Parts that is rated for 6,000 lbs but they didn't carry the 5 1/4.
http://www.reese-hitches.com/class_I...l_mounts_R.htm

I posted on Wake World and people suggested R/V stores. I think 4x4 stores and U-haul type places may have the big stuff as well.

[billspin]

Timmy, Check these guys out. I always get any hitch related parts from them. They have always been able to get exactly what I needed from one of their distributors. http://www.aerosuds.com/

[Timmy!]

Timmy, Check these guys out. I always get any hitch related parts from them. They have always been able to get exactly what I needed from one of their distributors. http://www.aerosuds.com/

I got what I needed but thanks for reminding me about Aerosuds, I always forget about them and used to deliver them pizza all the time back when I was in college.

[dogbert]

I had the same problem when I bought my F-150 back in 2003. It came with the factory trailer hitch. I had to buy the factory receiver to get it to fit.

[Ruune]

These are rated for 10,000lbs. They're available in 2, 4, 6, 8, & 10 inch drops.

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/r...h-receiver.htm

[G-MONEY]

Is your Tahoe lifted if not you don't need a 5 1/4" drop

[Domsz06]

I went to a trailer spot and they custom made one for less the what they cost at wal-mart uhaul etc. Try that out. If your ever in the OKC area JR's trailers will take care of you. I Needed a 9 inch drop, and he had one stock It was a custom job from someone else.

[Matt Garcia]

Is your Tahoe lifted if not you don't need a 5 1/4" drop

Gmoney, no but it is quite high. I used a 3 inch drop and I had to crank up my jack to its highest level which even then I still had to stand on the bumper to get the hitch under the trailer tongue.

I am guessing I have to use a 5 1/4 inch.

[Timmy!]

You need to measure it and make sure you are getting the right one so you aren't dipping or doing wheelies with the trailer tires. You must have a really low trailer! My trailer is really high (20" wheels).

[Domsz06]

timmy,

your trailer is high due to the 20's! I just have 15's and most are that or 14's.

[Ruune]

matt- I'd go with a 6" drop if you're having to crank your trailer jack all the way up.

Also, when you drop the tongue of the trailer down, it raises the back... which gives you more clearance for your prop guard.

[da.bell]

Also, when you drop the tongue of the trailer down, it raises the back... which gives you more clearance for your prop guard.

Nice point there.....

[G-MONEY]

Gmoney, no but it is quite high. I used a 3 inch drop and I had to crank up my jack to its highest level which even then I still had to stand on the bumper to get the hitch under the trailer tongue.

I am guessing I have to use a 5 1/4 inch.

ON OUR OLD YUKON 4X4 WE USED 2" DROP ON THE NEW DURAMAX 4X4 WE ARE USING 3 1/3' DROP

[Domsz06]

ha ha ha, things that make you go eh?