Is Curt Class IV Trailer Hitch an Upgrade Over OEM Hitch on 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500

Updated 06/20/2018 | Published 06/19/2018

Question:

Can you tell me if the Curt C14600 is an upgrade to the OEM GM receiver hitch on my 2017 Silverado 1500 1LT Double Cab with a standard towing package Not the Max Tow?

asked by: Luther I

Expert Reply:

The Curt Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver # C14006 referenced in your question features a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds and a tongue weight capacity of 1,000 pounds. Based on my research, this does appear to be an upgrade over the factory hitch on your 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 with regards to its capacity. I do recommend verifying this by checking the capacity of your existing hitch, which should be labeled with a sticker right on the hitch or in your copy of the owner's manual.

With that being said, even if you were to install a hitch with a higher capacity, you will still need to adhere to the towing limits of your truck as listed in the owner's manual. Adding aftermarket products like a new hitch will not increase the capacity of the truck itself.

The exact towing capacity of your Silverado 1500 can vary quite a bit (from around 4,500 pounds to up to 12,000 pounds based on my research) depending on what the truck is equipped with, such as the bed size, engine, and axle ratio. Because of this, I highly recommend checking your owner's manual for the specific limits of your truck before deciding if replacing its hitch is necessary.

expert reply by: Chris R