Front Mount Hitch Fascia Trimming Required for a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax

Updated 02/02/2011 | Published 01/31/2011

Question:

Is there any front mount hitch that does not need any facia trimming? In not which one will need the least amount of trimming.

asked by: Ted

Expert Reply:

All of the front mount hitches for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado may require trimming of the black plastic fascia, that is mounted under the front bumper of your truck, depending on how the front bumper is mounted to the frame on each individual vehicle.

Since you have a Duramax engine in your truck, you most likely need a front mount hitch that will fit a 2500 or 3500 series pickup. The Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver, item # 65028, for the 2500 and 3500 series trucks does not require trimming either, but will mount up against the fascia and cause it to deform if not trimmed. The Fascia Has To Be Pushed Up 1-1/2 inch on 2002 And Later Vehicles, or trimmed.

Finally, the Curt front Mount Hitch, item # 31108, can also be installed on the 2500 and 3500 series trucks without trimming the plastic fascia extension under the front bumper, but the same deformation will be encountered.

I installed a front mount hitch on my 1995 Chevrolet 2500 with 454 cubic inch engine several years ago and trimmed the fascia installed under bumper. I took my time and you could not tell the fascia had been altered at all with the hitch installed. If the hitch is removed the trimmed area would be more noticeable.

expert reply by: Robert G