Recommendation on What will be Needed to Tow a Trailer with a 2015 Sierra 1500 Denali

Updated 05/08/2017 | Published 05/05/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(117)

$207.86

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers

(810)

$17.97

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$124.90

Question:

I have a 7.5 lift installed on the truck and am looking at what I need to get set up for towing a 28 foot enclosed trailer. I already know I need a brake controller and a hitch or even a WD hitch with sway control? Are there options out there for rear airbags or some kind of rear leveling system for it?

asked by: Benjamin

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since your 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 has a 7-1/2 inch lift, it is recommend to use an adjustable ball mount that will accommodate your vehicle's higher hitch point. To find the correct ball mount drop that you will need, a measurement will need to be taken. The attached article will demonstrate how to perform this measurement to find the correct drop you will need. Other than removing the lift on your vehicle, there are no products that will help level the trailer connection that can be installed between the vehicle's frame and axles with this size lift.

Once you have found your drop measurement you can review the attached link that displays all of our adjustable ball mounts to find the best option that will work for you.

For your GMC Sierra 1500, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Receiver Trailer Hitch, # 76016. This hitch is custom-fit and will not require any drilling for installation. I like this hitch over the Curt Class III hitches because the Draw-Tite hitch has a higher towing and tongue weight capacities. The Draw-Tite hitch is also rated for use with a weight distribution system.

As for a brake controller, I recommend using a proportional brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885. The Prodigy P2 will activate your trailer brakes in proportion to your GMC Sierra braking action. The harder you step on the brakes of your vehicle the more braking will be applied to your trailer's brakes. With the P2, the # 3016 Brake Controller Wiring Harness will allow you to connect to your GMC's already installed trailer connection without your cutting or splicing in to the vehicle's wiring.

When trying to decide if you will need a weight distribution (WD) system for your towing rig, you will need to know the total tongue weight (TTW) of your set-up. The total tongue weight will be a fully loaded ready to tow trailer, plus any weight located behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. You want to use a system where your total tongue weight will fall in between the WD system's tongue weight range. I have attached an article that will explain how to find the TTW of your towing rig.