Why Install a Aftermarket Hitch that Mounts Below the Bumper and Not Use the Bumper Hitch?

Question

Question:

Hi I just brought a chevy silverado 1500 double cab with a 6.5 ft bed. I am looking to buy a trailer hitch, but i noticed that there is a trailer hitch already built-in into the bumper. I notice that most chevy trucks owners no not use it instead they install a trailer hitch underneath the bumper. I was just wondering why they buy a trailer hitch when there is already one behind the rear bumper. there must be a reason why. thanks

asked by: Fred V

0

Expert Reply:

Most bumper mount hitches (the hole in the bumper) a sized to accommodate a standard trailer ball and have a low weight capacity like 1,000lbs and 100lbs tongue weight. This is usually good for a light trailer or seadoo. If it is able to tow your trailer level.

You will see that many owners upgrade to the 2 inch or even 2-1/2 inch receiver to gain an increase of weight capacity or to tow alternative accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers.

Your vehicle's frame will have a weight rating/capacity as well and on many trucks it is much higher than just the bumper rating/capacity itself. A trailer hitch below the bumper with the receiver allows for different ball mounts with drops or rises to accommodate the many differing heights of trailers on the market. It also allows for the trailer to be set back further away from the vehicle to help prevent damage from a close mounted trailer in turning situations. They also accommodate weight distribution systems which are extremely helpful with heavier trailer loads.

As you can see there are lots of reasons to use a trailer hitch with a receiver that is under the bumper, just depends on what your trailering needs require. The Curt hitch # C14006 would be a great fit for your 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 6-1/2 foot bed. This hitch has the 2 inch receiver opening, which is most compatible with accessories on the market.

I have linked the above mentioned products to this page for your convenience.

expert reply by: Jackie C

0

Answer 1

For your 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X we have the Draw Tite hitch part #75699 as a confirmed fit. This is a really great option as only the hitch opening hangs below the rear bumper which makes it mostly hidden and help with ground clearance. I…

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Answer 2

The correct replacement for a Dexter 13-10 Equalizer is the Triangular Equalizer part #TREQ310, not the Curved Equalizer part #TREQE1. If you want to upgrade, the Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers part #LC279688 would work but you might want to go with…

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Answer 3

The 13-10 equalizer is equivalent to the Triangular Equalizer for 1-3/4" Double-Eye Springs - 6-1/16" Long - 9/16" Center Hole #TREQ310. If you go with the Dexter E-Z Flex Heavy Duty Rubber Suspension System by Dexter Axle -…

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Answer 4

The actual weight of aluminum wheels versus steel wheels will depend on the design. For instance the Aluminum Sendel Series T02 Machined Trailer Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 #AM22654 will weigh 20 lbs and the Aluminum Lynx Trailer…

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Answer 5

According to Dexter, the #K71-652-00 you had looked at would be the correct replacement for your current equalizers, assuming that the center axle to center axle spacing is about 33 inches. To see an installation video, click the provided link.

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Answer 6

It is always a good idea to have a weight capacity safety margin in your car hauler towing set up. In other words, for a loaded tandem-axle trailer with a 6500-lb GVWR you will do well to use tires that give you closer to an 8K total capacity. In…

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Answer 7

Yes! The Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver #65064 does not require any drilling in the frame of your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 for the installation. The instructions do call for you to remove or trim the lower air dam fascia, which is a…

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Answer 8

Hey Jason! We have a one option to add a class IV hitch to your 2023 Ford F-150. It is the Curt item #C26HR. This mounts below your factory hitch and will give you a 10,000 lbs towing capacity. The main draw back of this hitch is you won't be…

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Answer 9

The mounting holes are slightly different between Curt trailer hitch #C14006 and #14301. I have included a side by side picture that shows this. Otherwise they have the same capacities. I have linked instructions for both hitch for you. If you plan…

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Answer 10

You always need to be hauling under the tongue weight limit of your components. As long as the downward force on the hitch doesn't exceed 940lbs you will be okay to haul but you need to check your tongue weight of your trailer. Since you already…

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Answer 11

Your Goodyear Endurance Tire is the ST225/75R15 size that you are looking for. This has a load range of E (2,860 lbs at 80 psi) and a max speed of 87 mph just like what you currently have. For a wheel I recommend the Dexstar Steel Mini Mod Trailer…

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Answer 12

The closest wheel we have to what you need is the #AM20534 which is a 15 inch galvanized trailer wheel with a 6 lug bolt pattern but instead it's a spoke style instead of the mod style. The closest mod wheel we have is the part #AM20539 which is…

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Why Install a Aftermarket Hitch that Mounts Below the Bumper and Not Use the Bumper Hitch?

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