Re: Big and Heavy (hitch) Balls
 

Yeah its the stock hitch on a 2500HD
Thanks

Re: Big and Heavy (hitch) Balls
 

Rippem, I completely understand the overkill, and ratings. I am an engineer by nature, and over-engineer a lot of what I do.

I just don't want anyone else to think that because they buy a 20K lb drawbar, and a 30K lb ball, that they can stick it in their 2" Class III reciever, and be safe & legal to tow the Space Shuttle behind their 1500 Chevy pickup with a 4.3L V-6.

Re: Big and Heavy (hitch) Balls
 

understand completely. :) With everything else forward up to snuff, I see couplers as the next weakest link. Think about the size of the mechanism and how much material is there...for the amount of work being done. Check out the "trailer trapper", it'll at least keep the tongue on the ball if the mechanism fails.

Re: Big and Heavy (hitch) Balls
 

Bump. Have had several people ask me about this recently.

Re: Big and Heavy (hitch) Balls
 

One more update.
I have my Putnam Class-V hitch installed now. It bolted right to the factory holes, and actually tucks up closer to the bumper than the original. I have not towed with it yet, but will be this weekend.

Bill272 also spoke with GM directly about what happens to your tow rating on specifically the 2500 Avalanche when you replace to a Class-V hitch. According to the GM Regional Manager he spoke to, your Weight Carrying rating goes up to the 12K with the Class-V hitch. It does NOT raise the overall tow capacity of the vehicle. Are you going to get that in writing? No. Will it fly in court? Who knows. I am still sticking with the WD hitch (bars) even with a new Class-V Putnam hitch. The WD bars drastically improve towing.

Also check out:

www.equalizerhitch.com

Fully compatible with surge brakes as well.

Re: Big and Heavy (hitch) Balls
 

Brian,
Just to clarify, I was told that adding the Class V hitch raises the weight carrying rating to the 12000# rating of the truck, not the 15000# rating of the hitch. Along with the Putnam XDR I did get a 15K# 2" solid steel ball mount and the 30K# ball.

There's quite a bit of difference in weight between the class V and the factory hitch. I don't like to think of what I was towing with before (6000# ball and mount with an 11-12K# boat and trailer) :eek: :eek:

Re: Big and Heavy (hitch) Balls
 

Bill,
Thanks for clarifying. I adjusted my previous post.

Re: Big and Heavy (hitch) Balls
 

Mine does just fine :eek:

Re: Big and Heavy (hitch) Balls
 

Maybe I need to install one of these WD hitches. But luckly I can just put taller axle snubbers on to bottom out on the frame sooner to keep it level.

Pulls like a champ, tons of power down hill, tons of braking going uphill, steering is easiest ever, front tires turn 1/2 the speed as the rear tires too!

Re: Big and Heavy (hitch) Balls
 

:d