Parts Needed for Towing with a 1983 Chevrolet C20 Pickup  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Curt Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13099 that you referenced will fit your 1983 Chevrolet C20 if it has an 8 foot bed and came with a deep drop bumper. This trailer hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs Gross Towing Weight (GTW) and 500 lbs Tongue Weight (TW). When used with a Weight Distribution (WD) system those capacities are increased to 5,500 lbs GTW and 550 lbs TW.

If you have an 8 foot bed with the standard or step bumper then you will want to go with the Curt # C14082 instead. This trailer hitch is rated for 10,000 lbs GTW and 1,000 lbs TW. When used with a WD system those are increased to 12,000 lbs GTW and 1,200 lbs TW.

Please Keep in mind that you will need to stay within the towing capacities of your Chevy as well. You will be limited by the lower weight capacity whether it is the trailer hitch or your truck.

Since you plan on towing you will also need a ball mount, like the Self-Locking Adjustable 2-Ball Mount w Chrome Balls # FA42-00-2600, and some trailer wiring. This ball mount is great because it is adjustable so you can use it for multiple applications, plus it has integrated locks for extra security.

If you don't have any wiring installed on your Chevy already then you will want to start off with the Tekonsha T-One # 118311 which provides you with basic trailer light functions. Since you will be pulling a car trailer I would assume that it has brakes. In that case you will also want to install our Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 which will give you everything that you need for a fully-functioning 7-Way.

I recommend going with the Prodigy P3 # 90195 for a brake controller if you don't already have one. It features an easy-to-read LCD screen that makes it very user friendly, plus it will allow you to store tow settings for multiple towing applications.

I have attached some installation videos, instructions, and helpful articles that you can reference for the installations.

expert reply by: Jon G

1