Recommended Parts to Tow a Trailer with a 2004 Chevy Colorado Z71
Updated 06/04/2020 | Published 06/03/2020
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Question:
Hi. I am trying to purchase a trailer hitch and everything that is needed with it I have no clue what all to get for my husbands work truck. He drives a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 4door. And he owns a home appliance repair business that requires he haul and load/unload large home appliances such as refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher etc.,on a consistent basis. He will need everything that is required for a trailer hitch including a ball mount, pin and assembly. I see the Hitch receiver on your site recommend is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver, Custom Fit, Class III- 2. I need help to know what exactly to purchase and if he needs a drop hitch? Is that for the trailer to be able to go up and down for loading equipment into the trailer?? Thank you so much for your help with this!
asked by: Susan
Expert Reply:
I'd be more than happy to help you get everything needed for your husband's 2004 Chevy Colorado Z71 so he can use it for the repair business! The basics that he will need include a hitch receiver, wiring for the trailer lights, and a ball mount setup. Additional wiring and a brake controller can be necessary if he has a bigger trailer, but if he is only picking up appliances 1 at a time then he probably has a smaller trailer and the brake controller isn't needed.
For a trailer hitch I actually recommend going with the Draw-Tite # 75607 over the Curt # 13252 because it has a hidden crosstube so only the receiver is showing. It just makes for a much cleaner looking finished product which you can see in the attached sample photo.
The wiring kit I recommend is the Tekonsha T-One # 118301 which can then be mounted right next to the hitch receiver with the brackets # C57202 and # 18144.
When it comes to a ball mount kit I recommend the Curt Channel Style Adjustable Ball Mount # C45900 which can be locked to the trailer hitch with part # e98880. There are more cost-effective fixed ball mounts that will work, but using an adjustable ball mount means that this can be used for a variety of trailers and you'll just have to take a quick measurement to see what works best. Basically you need a drop hitch (ball mount) if the trailer coupler sits lower than the hitch receiver, and you need a rise hitch (ball mount) if the trailer coupler is higher than the hitch receiver.
I've attached an article about ball mount height as well as install videos for the hitch and wiring that you can check out. If he ends up needing a brake controller just let me know!
