Replaced Factory Hitch
06-27-2016, 05:29 AM
#1
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Replaced Factory Hitch
I've read a couple of posts on here about replacing the OEM trailer hitches so I decided to go ahead and replace the one on my 2015 GMC Denali HD with a Reese Class 5 hitch. I was totally surprised at how much better my rig handles with the new hitch. It seems to place the weight further forward and over the rear axle reducing feedback going down the road.
I realize that I am not towing the weight that most people on here are with 10,000 lbs. but this is definitely $450 well spent.
Dave
I realize that I am not towing the weight that most people on here are with 10,000 lbs. but this is definitely $450 well spent.
Dave
06-27-2016, 07:37 AM
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This is good to know. I have a 2016 Yukon with Max Tow Package (8500#) and have thought about this if I move to something larger than my current rig...weighing in A~Z at about 7500#.
How is the fit up relative to the rear bumper cover with the Class V hitch ? Any mods required ?
Thanks for the post.
How is the fit up relative to the rear bumper cover with the Class V hitch ? Any mods required ?
Thanks for the post.
06-27-2016, 08:20 AM
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The Denali pickups have a notch in the rear bumper and the receiver is tucked up in there about 1-2" higher making the factory hitch less noticeable. The Reese is massive and much more noticeable, but believe me it is worth it. I was surprised when I looked at the OEM hitch after it was removed. Not very substantial at all compared to the Reese and the OEM hitch has 2 fewer attachment points as well.
06-27-2016, 01:00 PM
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The Denali pickups have a notch in the rear bumper and the receiver is tucked up in there about 1-2" higher making the factory hitch less noticeable. The Reese is massive and much more noticeable, but believe me it is worth it. I was surprised when I looked at the OEM hitch after it was removed. Not very substantial at all compared to the Reese and the OEM hitch has 2 fewer attachment points as well.
06-27-2016, 01:12 PM
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Should have been all the same mounting points right? I think you might see difference in towing characteristics due to reduced flex.
Also, did you change your drawbar? Even an inch or two in drawbar height AND/OR the length of drawbar can adjust how the weight is transferred between the trailer and tow vehicle over bumps.
Also, did you change your drawbar? Even an inch or two in drawbar height AND/OR the length of drawbar can adjust how the weight is transferred between the trailer and tow vehicle over bumps.
06-27-2016, 01:55 PM
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06-27-2016, 02:00 PM
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Should have been all the same mounting points right? I think you might see difference in towing characteristics due to reduced flex.
Also, did you change your drawbar? Even an inch or two in drawbar height AND/OR the length of drawbar can adjust how the weight is transferred between the trailer and tow vehicle over bumps.
Also, did you change your drawbar? Even an inch or two in drawbar height AND/OR the length of drawbar can adjust how the weight is transferred between the trailer and tow vehicle over bumps.
What really made me do this was your comments in other posts and the fact that I swore I felt something flex back there during a hard stop and /or hard acceleration. But its rock sold now.
Dave
Last edited by 08 fastech 292; 06-27-2016 at 02:03 PM.
06-27-2016, 03:18 PM
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06-27-2016, 03:21 PM
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No, they had to drill new mounting holes for the front of the hitch which goes about 8-10 inches further forward under the truck. I didn't change the draw bar height as the Denali sits about 2 inches higher than my Silverado did so with the lower receiver the trailer is sitting perfectly level. Also, with the factory hitch, the truck always squatted about 2 inches when attaching the trailer, but that doesn't happen with the new hitch.
What really made me do this was your comments in other posts and the fact that I swore I felt something flex back there during a hard stop and /or hard acceleration. But its rock sold now.
Dave
What really made me do this was your comments in other posts and the fact that I swore I felt something flex back there during a hard stop and /or hard acceleration. But its rock sold now.
Dave
