Class IV Trailer Hitch for a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Work Truck 4x4

Updated 07/11/2018 | Published 07/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Ball Mount 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop - 12-5/8" Long

(3838)

$32.20

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(512)

$233.43

Question:

I need a higher capacity hitch for my 2011 GMC Sierra Worktruck 4WD. Does it hurt to get a heavier class hitch than I need, in case I get a heavier boat/trailer later on? The existing hitch has a sticker that says 5,000 lb capacity without a weight distributing hitch, 10,500 with weight distributing hitch. Oddly, it doesnt say what Class it is but Im guessing its Class III. My boat and new aluminum trailer gross weight is 5400 lb., tongue weight of 500 lbs, no sway at all. BUT the trailer is a loadrite elite and they specify on their site not to use a weight distributing hitch. So I could get by with the class III but it would be at 90 of the GW rating. The Class IV is 10,000 lb/1000 TW. Are there any potential issues with getting the Class IV for my application? Thanks... you guys are awesome!

asked by: Tom W

Expert Reply:

Thanks. We think you are pretty awesome, too!

You can certainly go to a higher capacity trailer hitch which will help with your current situation and provide additional capacity should you upgrade trailers or boats in the future. Keep in mind though that you will be limited to the truck's towing capacities specified in the owner's manual.

For your 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 you can go with Curt hitch # 14301. This hitch is rated for 1,000 pounds tongue weight and 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

expert reply by: Michael H