Hitch, Wiring, Brake Controller and Towing Capacity for 2017 Chevy Express Van  

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Expert Reply:

The hitches we offer for the 2017 cargo and passenger vans include three sizes, 1-1/4, 2-inch and 2-1/2-inch. These hitches' towing weight ratings naturally vary quite a bit, from a low of 3500-lbs as with 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch # 36206 to a high of 16,000-lbs as with the 2-inch Curt Class V # C15320. Others fall in between.

For wiring and brake controller installation all you need is 4-pole harness # 118392 along with our brake controller install kit # ETBC7. These will work with or without the tow package wiring so you don't have to worry about whether the van has that. These two parts are all you need for complete wiring and installation of a quality brake controller like the Prodigy P3 # 90195. Install videos for both wiring kits are linked for you.

I checked the general online owner's manual for the 2017 Chevy Express 2500 and 3500 vans and pages 207-208 detail the various towing capacities for the different configurations of the 2500 and 3500. I sent a link to this in a separate email. You'll note that several factors affect towing: engine, wheelbase and axle gear ratio. If you can determine the specific configuration of the vans you're considering these pages will get you what you need.

If not there are a few other ways to confirm a vehicle's towing capacity.

One is to have a dealership run the VIN to see the factory installed equipment in it, such as the heavy-duty transmission; another is to check the owner's manual for that specific van; and the other is to find the tire and weight spec sticker on the driver's door jamb and do a calculation.

You want to find two figures on that sticker, GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating, the most the van itself can weigh) and GCWR (gross combined weight rating, the most the van and trailer together can weigh). Subtract GVWR from GCWR and you get the most the trailer itself can weigh.

expert reply by: Adam R

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