Comparing Class III Trailer Hitch Weight Capacities for a 2003 GMC Sierra

Updated 02/28/2022 | Published 02/25/2022

Question:

I have a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Z71, I pull a 6k trailer with 850lb tounge weight. My existing factory stock hitch has 3 mounting holes on each side with two support brackets. 1 Why does the draw-tite 75521 only have one support mounting brackets? 2 why does the curt 13322 and etrailer e98849 only have two mounting bolt holes and draw-tite 75521 has three on each side, all three class lll? Thank you

asked by: Paul J

Expert Reply:

There are many trailer hitch options for a 2003 GMC Sierra, the most notable difference between them is class rating. In general, the higher rated trailer hitch options will use more or stronger fasteners but that is not always the case as you have pointed out. I can't really say much about this as these specifications come from the manufacturer after their own testing but so long as you follow the instructions for said hitch and abide by the listed capacities there will not be any issues. I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75521 which is a class III hitch with 6,000 lb GTW and 900 TW rating. The TW rating is a bit higher than the other options so it's nice to have some extra capacity.

expert reply by: Conner L