Trailer Hitch Questions and Answers

Question:

I have a 2007 Mazda CX-9 with a manufactured installed towing package. I plan on towing an 18 Crownline boat and this will require a straight-cut drawbar. I know what the rise/ should be but Im unsure of the length I should use. What is the best way to determine the proper drawbar length?

asked by: Carl last update: May 8, 2008

Reply:

The length of the ballmount is the distance from the center of the ball hole to the center of the pin hole. This length will determine how much clearance will be available between the vehicle and the trailer, and can be used to get past a spare tire or tailgate. You can measure from the center of the hitch pin hole out to a point past your bumper where you would feel comfortable having the ball. For the Mazda CX-9 we have found that most customers select a ballmount which is 8 1/2" long. If you haven't already seen our page regarding ballmount faqs you can view it using the following link:
Ballmounts

reply by: Heather

Question:

If a transmission cooler is placed IN FRONT of the AC and radiator for maximum efficiency, does it not reduce the amount of air traveling through those two items and thus decrease the cooling efficiency of the AC and more importantly, the radiator and make the engine run hotter?

asked by: Wayne last update: May 2, 2008

Reply:

The transmission cooler is designed so air flows through it and back into the AC and radiator. It does add an extra layer but the effect is so minimal is does not make the engine run hotter.

reply by: Heather

Question:

I have an 05 Buick Rendevous CX & would like to tow a small pop up tent trailer. I have had a hitch and 2 ball installed but cant seem to determine what size camper I can safely tow. I dont understand info in the manual. Dont I need to know how much my vehicle weighs to determine what I can pull? How much is that? Buick dealer couldnt tell me. Any info would be greaty appreciated

asked by: Ron last update: May 2, 2008

Reply:

The information provided in the owner's manual can be confusing! Normally the manual will list a towing capacity followed by GVTW (gross vehicle towing weight). Then they may list how the weight placed inside the car (not the car itself) will affect or decrease that towing capacity. If you found any information in your manual and wanted to type it all up I would be happy to try and decipher it for you.
We offer quite a few custom fit receiver hitches for the 2005 Buick Rendezvous and all are rated for up to 3,500 lbs. I would suspect the owner's manual states the towing capacity is somewhere around that. You may want to also consider installing a transmission cooler to protect your transmission while towing.

reply by: Heather

Question:

Hi, I have a Mazda6 5 door, V6/5sp with a class I hitch that bolts to the bumper and with stove bolts through the floor of the trunk area. I would like to tow a small travel trailer with a hitch weight of 200 pounds or less. Some examples are Chalet foldables, Casita, Aliner foldables etc. Is this possible? Thanks

asked by: Mark last update: May 1, 2008

Reply:

We currently offer Class I receiver hitches for the Mazda6 that only attach to the bumper pan and inner bumper structure. These custom fit hitches are rated to tow up to 2,000 lbs with a tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs. As long as your hitch is also rated at 2,000/200 lbs and based on the description of your towing needs it sounds like the hitch will work well for you.

reply by: Heather

Question:

I have a 2008 Santa Fe. I plan on towing my 17 outboard motor boat. but I dont know which weight to choose, as far as 3500 or 4000 I have had the boat for many yrs. But as far as knowing the weight or which hitch to choose? Is there a way to figure it out Its a 17 aluminum boat w/50 horsepower motor and it sits on a 1990 trailer

asked by: Gary last update: Apr 12, 2008

Reply:

The best way to confirm the weight of your trailer is to take it to a weigh station (for semi-trucks). You might be able to look online for this particular boat/trailer to see if anyone has listed what the gross towing weight is. If you are unable to move the trailer without a hitch, I would recommend using the hitch with the larger capacity.

reply by: Paige

Question:

What grade of bolts should I use to reinstalle a trailer hitch on my 2000 GMC Jimmy

asked by: Andre last update: Apr 1, 2008

Reply:

The after market hitches we offer for the 2000 GMC Jimmy all require grade 5 carriage bolts. We do offer replacement hardware kits for these hitches.

reply by: Heather

Question:

First, your web site and videos have been very informative. Nice work. I have a 2003 Honda CRV with a spare tire mount on the back. I have a class 1 trailer hitch on it. I have four bikes to carry, including a kids bike. I would prefer to carry all four bikes together on the back instead of three on a spare tire carrier and one on top. If I get a hitch extension to help avoid the spare tire carrier, is there a four bike carrier that I can use?

asked by: Ken last update: Mar 30, 2008

Reply:

With a class I trailer hitch, you are only supposed to carry up to 2 bikes. Also, if you use an extension, your available tongue weight will be cut in half. If you want to carry 4 bikes, you might want to consider upgrading your hitch from a class I to a class III. Here you can view the class III hitch for your vehicle.

reply by: Amanda

Question:

On the pendulum style proportional controller what keeps the brakes from coming on when you start down a steep grade or back up?

asked by: Allan last update: Mar 30, 2008

Reply:

Most of the newer proportional brake controllers automatically level within a pretty wide range of angles. So this means that if you were going down a steep hill the motion sensing device inside the controller will operate as if you were on level terrain. If there was an instance where the controller reached its limit for adjustment, the maximum power output of the controller can be easily adjusted to accommodate this unusual situation.

reply by: Kevin

Question:

I just brought a 2008 jeep patroit and need to put a hitch for my tralor on it. I have looked at some but think the Mopar one is what I need. Are they hard to put on I dont see much frame to mount it too. Also I think I need to cut out the plastic first does that come with a template. The Dealer will do this for $500 but I know I could with instruction can you give me some ideas. Jim

asked by: Jim last update: Mar 28, 2008

Reply:

Congratulations on your new vehicle! We have a few custom fit receiver hitches for the Patriot. None of them require any drilling or welding; they bolt on to existing holes in the frame. It is only necessary to trim the bumper fascia on the Compass Rallye Jeep, not the Patriot.

reply by: Heather

Question:

I have a 2007 Toyota Matrix XR. I think all 07 have the fascia. Hitch part# 60965 is recommended in your advertisement. Do you have pictures of how this looks on the Matrix. Does it stick out below the fascia?

asked by: Steve last update: Mar 27, 2008

Reply:

You can see an image of hitch 60965 installed on a Toyota Matrix. Click on the link above the image of the item labeled "Vehicle."

reply by: Sarah

Question:

2004 Sprinter Freightliner 140WB. I know zero about hitch wiring. Does this vehicle come equipped with a certain type of receptacle ready for plugging in a hitch wiring harness? I have read about the harnesses made for this truck being ready to install both a 7pinion and/or 4flat connection. They dont explain. What does it mean?

asked by: Al last update: Mar 27, 2008

Reply:

We do not currently offer a plug in application for your 2004 Dodge Sprinter Van. You will be able to install a 4-way plug on this vehicle using 118175KIT.
To install a 7-way plug on your van, you would need adapter 37185.
You may also be interested in more information on wiring for towing.

reply by: Sarah

Question:

I have heard that having a weight distribution hitch can also increase slightly the allowable towing weight of a towing vehcile. That is to say if a vehicle can tow say 1000 lbs, a weight distribution hitch could add a few pounds to the towing weight for example say 1100 lbs. adding 100 lbs to the allowable weight. is this true?

asked by: Jan last update: Mar 27, 2008

Reply:

Weight distribution does allow for towing more weight with the same hitch, but only if the hitch is rated to be used with weight distribution. The hitch must be a class III or above in order for weight distribution to be an option. You may also be interested in our weight distribution information page.

reply by: Sarah

Question:

I would like to pull a 3,000 lb. Casita trailer with a 92 Pontiac Bonneville, equipped with a supercharger. The hitch I see on your web site for this application is a class II. Can you guys help explain what Ill need for this application and is it feasable?

asked by: Don last update: Mar 20, 2008

Reply:

The highest capacity hitch we would offer for your 1992 Pontiac Bonneville will tow up to 3,500lbs. If 3,000lbs is the dry weight of your trailer, you will only be able to load up to 500lbs on it. I recommend hitch 36216, which has a 3,500lb towing capacity.

reply by: Sarah

Question:

My spring bars for my weight distribution hitch say 501 to 801 lbs. togue weight 2 bars. Does that mean each bar is good for that amount so they are good for 1002 lbs. to 1602 lbs. or both bars together can only have a tongue weight of 501-801 lbs.?

asked by: Thomas last update: Mar 17, 2008

Reply:

All of the springbars on our weight distribution systems are labeled with a tongue weight capacity for two bars. Therefore, even though each bar has a sticker indicating it can handle 800lbs, the total tongue weight capacity is 800lbs, not a combined total of 1600. Your bars are rated at a combined total of 801lbs only.

reply by: Heather

Question:

Will a class two trailer hitch support a class one attachment like a wheelchair carrier? We have a 2001 Subaru Forester. What would I need to fit that and a bike rack?

asked by: Todd last update: Mar 16, 2008

Reply:

A class I accessory may be used with a class II hitch. You will be limited, however, by the capacity of the class I accessory.

reply by: Sarah

Question:

I have a 2004 Silverado, and put my own hitch on. I cross threaded the existing nut that was welded to the frame. should I just drill through the nut and get a new nut to attach to the end of that nut?

asked by: Bobby last update: Mar 9, 2008

Reply:

Our Technical Advisors suggest drilling through the nut and replacing it with a new nut.

reply by: Paige

Question:

It is my first time towing a trailer. I have a 2007 Nissan Xterra2WD and towing capacity is 5000lbs, Am i to include the weight of the trailer in this 5000lbs? Also, we are going a long distance what type of trailer hitch should we use?

asked by: Muriah last update: Mar 8, 2008

Reply:

We have a number of custom designed hitches for the 2007 Xterra. The Valley hitch is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs so this would most likely be the best option.
The weight of the trailer plus the cargo inside should not exceed the vehicle's 5,000 lbs towing capacity. You can read some general tips on towing that may be helpful using the following links:
Trailer towing tips
Tow system components

reply by: Heather

Question:

I just bought a 2008 Toyota Tacoma 4 cyl,sometimes I have to tow my motorcycle honda cruser to the garage for work. Do I need a oil cooler.

asked by: Nolan last update: Mar 7, 2008

Reply:

Here are the transmission coolers offered for your vehicle.
Do you actually need one? It's going to depend on how heavy what your'e hauling is and how often you haul. You can't over cool a transmission, so I'd call it cheap insurance. Just remember to let vehicle warm up for a few minutes in the winter.

reply by: Mike

Reply:

Thanks Mike this was very helpful. What are your thoughts on a 4 cyl pulling a motorcycle Once a year to Canada , once in a while to the mechanic. With the oil cooler.

reply by: Nolan

Reply:

What kind of distance to Canada once a year....100 mi, or 1,000 mi?
Seriously though, for a few dollars your could get the # HH41010, and then you wouldn't have to worry about it at all. As I said, it's cheap insurance.

reply by: Mike

Reply:

O yes the oil cooler for sure, I have had a 6 cyl pull my bike but I was unsure about a 4 cyl. To Canada 335 milles, my new Tacoma is a 5 speed man.

reply by: Nolan

Question:

I want to install a step bumper hitch on a 2004 chev s 10 , what hitch should i use and what is involved i the installation.

asked by: Bill last update: Mar 6, 2008

Reply:

If your Chevy S-10 has a step bumper then there are 3 hitches to choose from.
I would go with either hitch #87525 or hitch #75085. These are both a 2" square receiver opening which allows you to use the most accessories (bike racks, cargo carriers, etc.). There are links to the installation instruction for each hitch on their pages. You may want to look them over to get an idea of what is involved in the installation.

reply by: Bridget

Question:

Hi, I just bought my first travel trailer. It is a Fleetwood Wilderness 25 ft. I am a bit nervous because I havent towed anything in my past. I have a trip planned from Cincinnati to Bristol, TN in two weeks. Towing the trailer hasnt been too bad on level ground and hills in the area. What concerns me is the towing through the mountains of southern Kentucky and Tennessee. Do you have any tips beyond driving slower. What about going down a mountain? I do have an equalizer hitch and sway control.

asked by: Rich last update: Mar 4, 2008

Reply:

Sounds like a fun drive you have planned! You will be well prepared to handle the various roads with the equalizer hitch and sway control. Does the trailer have electric brakes? Do you have an electric brake controller installed to activate these brakes? If so you are as prepared as you can be. When hauling our travel trailer we like to manually activate the brakes on the trailer (by using the manual lever on the controller) when going down big hills/mountains. This seems to keep everything in check and we feel it causes less wear and tear on the truck brakes.

reply by: Heather

Reply:

Thank you. I have Husky Journey electric brake control for my trailer. I have read that I shouldn't drive in overdrive? I love to drive and have been know to drive 750 miles only stopping for gas. Should I stop more frequently when towing to allow things to cool down? Thank you soo much for your tips. I am making myself sick worrying about this trip.

reply by: Rich

Reply:

I would expect that on flat terrain running overdrive would be ok. However, flat terrain can be deceiving. What looks flat could be running up grade and 1 or 2% still adds a weight drag to the transmission. This could max the transmission more than what OD was designed for. It may be better to spend more on gas now to avoid costly transmission repairs.
You may want to consider a transmission cooler if you do not already have one on the tow vehicle.

reply by: Heather

Question:

Hi, I just purchased a Draw Tite hitch from you for my 2008 Toyota RAV4. How many foot pounds of torque to tighten the bolts to?

asked by: Chris last update: Mar 4, 2008

Reply:

Tighten all M12 fasteners with torque wrench to 65 Lb.-Ft.

reply by: Amanda

Question:

What causes a Class V hitch on a GMC 3500 HD Dually to rip and tear the frame at its attachment points. In other words the hitchs rear attachment point ripped out of the installation holes on the frame. In the process of ripping out of the attachment hole on the frame it also tore the frame along the bottom bend of the frame towards the rear of the truck.

asked by: Richard last update: Feb 28, 2008

Reply:

One reason your hitch may have dislocated at its attachment points would be that it was not torqued down properly when installed. Another cause might be overloading the hitch, especially if the tongue weight you were trying to carry was too much for the hitch to handle.

reply by: Sarah

Question:

I have a 2003 chev. Malibu can the frame or hitch be strengthened to handle towing a small boat. I had a hitch installed last year and the bolts started to come through the frame and the hitch was sagging.

asked by: John last update: Feb 27, 2008

Reply:

If the hitch is bent or the hardware is no longer tightened down to the proper foot/pounds it is no longer safe to tow with your hitch. If the frame on your car is still in good condition you may consider replacing the hitch on your 2003 Chevy Malibu.
We do have hitches available for your Chevy Malibu.
Hitch 90131 has a 3500 LB towing capacity and is a great option for towing a smaller boat.

reply by: Bridget

Question:

Does using a hitch extension reduce the maximum tongue weight capacity of a weight distribution hitch? Id like to use am 8 hitch extension for adding a bike rack onto my hitch. Ive got a Class III hitch with 500 pound rating for tongue weight. Also a weight distribution hitch with a max tongue weight rating of 500. Id like to mount a bike rack on the hitch while I am towing my trailer. Can I use an 8 or 9 extension to get the room I need between the WD hitch and the receiver box? 1. Will using an extension reduce the maximum tongue weight capacity? 2. Even if I use the WD hitch? What will my max tongue weight be?

asked by: Judith last update: Feb 26, 2008

Reply:

Using a hitch extender will decrease the hitch's tongue weight by 50%. This means that if you have a 500lb tongue weight, it would be reduced to 250lbs. From this 250lbs you would also have to subtract the weight of the bike rack, bikes, any cargo in the back of your vehicle, plus the weight loaded in the front of your trailer. What kind of weight distribution system do you have? If your system attaches to the hitch using a weight distribution shank, you will not be able to carry a bike rack at the same time you are towing.

reply by: Sarah

Reply:

Thanks

reply by: Judith

Question:

I have a 1999 4 door Toyota Camry . When installing the Drawtite Class I hitch on my car will I have to cut the fasciawhich I assume is the bumper ?Is a hidden receiver type hitch available for my car and,if not, how far past the bumper will the hitch/drawbar protrude ? Thanks.

asked by: Barry last update: Feb 25, 2008

Reply:

I have reviewed the installation instructions for the Draw-Tite Class I hitch, part number 24715. There is no indication of cutting the fascia or bumper for the 1999 Toyota Camry. The ballmount would extend past the bumper about 5-3/4"-6".

reply by: Paige

Question:

I have a Toyota Matrix Id like to install a trailer hitch and bike rack on. Can I use any class I hitch?

asked by: David last update: Feb 23, 2008

Reply:

Any of our Class I receiver hitches listed for the 2004 Matrix can be used with a bike rack. The tongue weight capacity of these hitches' are 200 lbs; the weight of the rack and bikes combined cannot exceed 200 lbs.
If you vehicle does not have the extra rear fascia you can also choose the custom Class II hitch by Curt, part #12227. This will provide you more options when looking at bike racks and an extra 500 lbs capacity in tongue weight.
You can also view our complete selection of Class I bike racks.

reply by: Heather

Question:

Hello, I have a question for you. I am planning on buying a Fleetwood Evolution E2 off road pop-up within the next week or two. I am not planning on doing anything extreme with it, but it will definitely be used off the beaten path and need plenty of articulation from the hitch. The trailer is approximately 2500 lbs GTW with 400 lbs TW and will be pulled with a 4500lb 2002 Dodge Durango. With those numbers, I suspect that I will need a weight distribution hitch, but are there any that will work properly or work better than the others with an off-road setup?

asked by: Geoff last update: Feb 20, 2008

Reply:

We offer hitches for your 2002 Dodge Durango that would work well to pull your new Fleetwood pop-up camper. I recommend the Hidden Hitch part 87522, because it has a 5,000lb capacity which would be great for your needs and also has a 2" opening, which is the most common size and will give you many options for hitch accessories.
The 87522 has a 7,500lb weight distribution capacity, so a good weight distribution system for you would be part 66072. This is a Reese Strait-Line system, so it includes both the weight distribution system and sway control bars. The system forces your trailer to stay in a straight line and the dual-cam sway control helps your trailer perform better on turns. For the most control of your trailer while off-road, this system is an excellent choice. Or, you can view all available weight distribution systems.

reply by: Sarah

Question:

i own a 2005 town & country touring with stow & go. we have a pop up camper and need a hitch. the engine is a 3.8 with your experience do you feel this vehicle can pull the load on a long trip. Have you installed many on the same make and model? and approximate cost to purchase and install.

asked by: Amy last update: Feb 20, 2008

Reply:

We offer a few different custom hitches for your 2005 Town & Country van. Most are rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs which should be plenty for a pop-up camper. Because campers come in so many different styles now it would be best to check the owner's manual to see how much it weighs fully loaded. You should also double check the van's manual to see what it is rated to tow.
Assuming the van can handle up to 3,500 lbs and the camper does not exceed that you would need the Class III receiver hitch, ballmount, ball, pin and clip (or locking pin), wiring harness, brake controller if the camper has electric brakes and last a transmission cooler. If you have not towed before this may seem like a lot of information so I will try to make it easy. You can also call us at 1-800-298-8924 to speak to someone one on one.
RECEIVER HITCH:
You can view all the hitch options for your van.
Our most popular selling hitch is by Draw-Tite.
BALL MOUNT:
Sometimes referred to as a drawbar. For your van we have found a mount that comes out of the hitch and provides a 2 3/4" rise or 4" drop fits most trailers.
BALL:
The pop-up will either use a 2" or 1-7/8" ball (the camper manual will state which size is needed). To be used with the above ball mount you will need a ball with a 1" shank diameter. You can click on the following two links to see the appropriate ball for the above ball mount in either the 1 7/8" or 2" size.
PIN & CLIP:
Normally a pin and clip would be used to hold the ball mount in the receiver hitch. Because you are planning a long trip I would recommend a locking pin so no one can help themselves to your trailer when you stop. We also offer lock sets so you can lock the trailer onto the ball and use the same key to unlock both. You would only need one of these.
WIRING HARNESS:
We offer an easy plug in wiring harness for your van. This harness provides a flat four pole electrical connector for the trailer. If your trailer uses a different size plug (check the owner's manual again!) you would need this harness along with an adapter. If your trailer has electric brakes you again would need the harness and an adapter that comes with our brake control wiring kit plus the brake controller itself.
If trailer has different wiring plug but no electric brakes will need adapter.
If trailer has electric brakes will also need:
Brake controller wiring kit
Prodigy brake controller
TRANSMISSION COOLER:
Installing a cooler on the van will protect your van from overheating and help prevent costly repairs.

reply by: Heather

Question:

Is it safe to tow a motorcycle trailer with a motorcycle on it using a step bumper with just a trailer hitch ball? Assuming the GTW is less than 2000lbs. The vehicle is a Ford Explorer.

asked by: James last update: Feb 17, 2008

Reply:

As long as you are not towing anymore than the bumper hitch is rated for AND as long as you are towing the trailer fairly level AND you have the motorcycle securely strapped down to the trailer, there should not be any problems.

reply by: Amanda

Question:

does a longer drawbar reduce the hitch weight like a hitch extender?

asked by: Ken last update: Feb 10, 2008

Reply:

The longer drawbar does not cut the tongue weight in half like a hitch extender . The longer drawbar will normally have a lower weight capacity. Just remember you are limited to the lowest weight between your hitch, drawbar and ball. We have a chart you can sort by length of the drawbar. Just scroll to the bottom of the web page. Be sure to check the size of your hitch opening for a correct fit.

reply by: Bridget

Question:

I have a 1994 Ford Escort. I need to hook up a system to tow a 4 x 6 trailer. The trailers specifications are:
2,000 lbs. GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
12 Load Range C Tires
Fully Lighted to DOT Department of Transportation Specifications
1-7/8 Coupler w/Safety Chain
Wire Mesh Floor & Gate
2,000 lbs. Slipper Spring Assembly
I am looking at your hitches, and your wiring, hitch balls, and drawbars. What do you recommend?

asked by: Leslie last update: Feb 8, 2008

Reply:

The following links will take you to all four parts that you will need to ready your vehicle for towing. Please let me know if you have any questions.
1. Trailer Hitch 24633
2. Ballmount 3593
3. Ball 19256
4. Hardwire Wiring Kit 118175KIT

reply by: Amanda

Question:

I have a 2008 Honda Accord LX-P Sedan. I will be towing at most, 750lbs jetski. I need to know if the 24803/60879/77174 Trailer Hitch would be appropriate? Also, would it be necessary to have the hitch welded or would the bolts be sufficient?

asked by: Brad last update: Feb 5, 2008

Reply:

Any of the three hitches we list for your 2008 Accord would work. They are all rated at 2,000 lbs. Do not weld the hitch. It will come with all the necessary installation hardware. The hitch bolted to your vehicle is rated at 2,000 lbs.

reply by: Amanda

Question:

I have a 94, Chrysler LHS, and I wanted to install a trailor hitch.I do mobile detailing,and have a small 4x 6 trailor weighing about 400-600lbs. I have a 100gallon water tank and its not going to be filled and its probably the heaviest on the trailor. I know I need to get the adapter to switch the ball size to 2 ball. What are your recommendations so that I dont put too much strain on my car.

asked by: Jermaine last update: Feb 3, 2008

Reply:

We offer a Class II hitch, part number 36170, available for your vehicle. The hitch is rated to tow 3,500 lbs and has a tongue weight of 300 lbs. I would recommend checking the gross weight of the trailer, with it fully loaded to find your tongue weight. If your weight is under 300 lbs, then this hitch will accommodate your trailer application.
You will also need the ballmount and the 2" Ball.

reply by: Paige

Question:

I have a ez hitch plate on my hitch and the shank of the ball is not long enough to have threds showing I have lock tight on the treads. Is this ok?

asked by: Doug last update: Jan 31, 2008

Reply:

The shank of the ball needs to have a shank long enough that at least two threads are showing underneath the mount. The current set up you have is not safe.
We offer balls with varying shank lengths. You can view our complete selection hitch balls to find one that will be safer for your towing system.

reply by: Heather

Reply:

My current length shaft is 2" but measures 2&1/8" long with a 1" wide shank. Why do I need to threads showing? Is it if it comes loose? What if I spot weld the nut to the shank? Or do you have a 2&5/16 X 1" X 2&1/2 ball?

reply by: Doug

Reply:

Having at least two threads showing proves that the lock washer and nut are tightly secured and will not come unthreaded. You could spot weld the nut to the shank but I would still be concerned about safety as this particular part of your towing system absorbs a lot of weight. The proper sized ball would be your best bet.
We do have a 2 5/16" ball with a 1" diameter shank that measures 2 1/2" long. You can view this part, #3460DAT.

reply by: Heather

Question:

How do I determine the size ball I need for a given job? I have a ball for the 4500 lb travel trailer and now I am shopping for a horse trailer. It will probably weigh in at 6500 lbs. What size do I have, what size will I need, and how do I find out?

asked by: Caryl last update: Jan 31, 2008

Reply:

There are a few parts when talking about a trailer hitch and towing.
1. The square receiver opening on your vehicle. It is either a 2" x 2" opening or a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" opening.
2. The ballmount/drawbar. This is the piece that slides into your square opening that you mount your ball to. The hole that the ball attaches to is called the shank hole and it will either be 3/4", 1" or 1-1/4".
3. The ball. The ball attaches to the drawbar. It will have a shank diameter of 3/4", 1" or 1-1/4" and the ball size will either be 1-7/8", 2" or 2-5/16".
4. The coupler. The coupler is what receives the ball on the trailer. The coupler will have the size ball that it takes stamped on it. It will read 1-7/8", 2" or 2-5/16".
Without the trailer, there is no way to determine which size ball you need.

reply by: Amanda

Question:

Please send me ALL the info I need and the parts I need to purchase to equip my 2001 Dodge Grand Caravaan Sport with a Class III hitch system using a 2 inch ball and a 710 Barzman system on the trailer I am hauling. My van has not been equipped with any towing packages before.

asked by: Jan last update: Jan 24, 2008

Reply:

The following is a list of suggested items you will need for towing with your 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Hitch class III #87717
2" Ball #19247
Standard ballmount #2923
Please note that the ballmount may need to be changed if you need more of a rise or drop which will depend on your trailer height vs. your hitch height.

reply by: Bobbi

Question:

If lockwashers are not used on the 5/8 bolts, how far can the vehicle be driven before the hitch comes loose? This question relates to a hitch on a 2005 Chev k2500 4x4 silvarado crew. The hitch brand is unknown but the installation instructions contain Model NOs. 55132 and 55092. Thank you.

asked by: Elizabeth last update: Jan 24, 2008

Reply:

The part numbers you provided correspond to 5th wheel installation kits by Valley. We strongly recommend you do not haul any trailer any distance without using the lock washers or other parts called for in the instructions. This is unsafe and could cause an accident hurting or killing someone. If you need replacement parts we can get them for you.

reply by: Heather

Question:

Do you sell the bolts and washers and nuts for a hitch? I have a 98 windstar and I have the hitch that was taken off it, I want to put it back on but need bolts, leaders and a wiring quick kit. Thanks for any help you can give.

asked by: Shawn last update: Jan 21, 2008

Reply:

We can obtain replacement hardware kits for hitches currently in production. To order you would need to know exactly which hitch you have and who the manufacturer is. You can view the currently offered hitches for the Windstar using the following link:
Windstar Trailer Hitches
You can then order the replacement hardware

reply by: Heather

Question:

I have a 2003 H2 with the towing package etc. I called the Hummer dealership and they said the towing capacity is 7000 lbs. I am considering a purchase of a traver trailer that weighs 7300 lbs. Can I do or add anythig that might increase the capacity to tow? bigger trans. cooler? beef up suspension? anything?

asked by: Tom last update: Jan 14, 2008

Reply:

There should be a sticker with the weight rating on your trailer hitch. Usually there are two ratings. Check to see if your trailer hitch has a weight rating with weight distribution and then let me know.

reply by: Amanda

Reply:

Door frame sticker: GVWR 8600 front 4000 rear 5000 no stickers on hitch/receiver area no stickers on hitch. I do have a weight distribution system already with my current traver trailer setup. I hope this info helps. Please let me know where else to look for the information.

reply by: Tom

Reply:

The weight rating I was looking for was your total hitch capacity with a weight distribution system. I think that is what the dealer told you, but you might want to confirm that with them. You said your sticker states that you can tow 5,000 lbs and the dealer told you the total capacity is 7,000 lbs. If 7,000 lbs is what you can tow with a weight distribution, then that is the total capacity that you can tow and I would not recommend purchasing a trailer that exceeds that weight.

reply by: Amanda

Question:

My Blazer is rated to pull 5,000 lbs. The trailer Im interested in weighs 3,000 and the car in the trailer weighs about 2,200 lbs. So I am 200 lbs over. Someone told me if I use a weight distribution hitch it actually increases the tow capacity on the tow vehicle. Is this true? Can I still safely tow even though Im only 200 lbs over?

asked by: Howard last update: Jan 8, 2008

Reply:

We do not recommend towing beyond your towing system's capacity even if just 200 pounds. Weight distribution systems are used to distribute the load you are towing between all the axles and therefore you can tow more. However, your vehicle (and hitch) need to be rated for this. For example, most Class III hitches are rated to tow 3,500 lbs on their own but up to 5,000 lbs with a weight distribution system. You will need to find out if your Blazer is rated to tow more than 5,000 with a weight distribution system. You can check your owner's manual and with your local dealer to find this out. If the Blazer is not rated for any more than 5,000 lbs you should not be towing this trailer and car.

reply by: Heather

Question:

I am looking to buy a ballmount for my 2007 Chevy Silverado Z-71 4x4. I do not have any one specific item to tow so i was looking for an average /rise ballmount for multi-purpose towing of different items. I have a 2x 2 receiver with a 20 hitch hieght. Any recomendations would be appreciated.

asked by: Mike last update: Jan 7, 2008

Reply:

Typically a 2" drop is the most common for a Silverado. The following link will take you to our ballmounts page and out ballmounts FAQ page.

reply by: Amanda