Is Class 3 or Class 4 Hitch Needed For 2003 Chevy Silverado 1500 For Towing

Updated 03/30/2022 | Published 03/29/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(127)

$307.51

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

(55)

$217.45

Question:

Hello, I need a trailer hitch for a 2003 chevy silverado 1500. I have a mini van I need to haul to the scrap yard, which weighs a little over 3000 lbs, and my trailer is a dual axle 8' 2 x 16 big tex utility trailer. I will mainly be loading household items most of the time but I want to make sure that a class 3 hitch would be ok for hauling a vehicle. Do I need to purchase a class 4 to have a little assurance? Thank in advance!

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

So long as you are within the capacities of your 2003 Chevy Silverado 1500 and the hitch itself, there's no need to pay extra for a hitch that has capacity you won't be using. Unless you will be towing something that is more than 6,000 lbs, or has more than 600 lbs of tongue weight, you won't need the Class IV Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C14332.

That hitch has a 10,000 lb towing and 1,000 lb tongue weight capacity, but based on the vehicle you mentioned and the size of the trailer, seems like more than necessary. The larger capacity hitches are pricier so I recommend sticking with the Class III Curt hitch that fits:

- Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13332

The # 13332 has a 6,000 lb towing capacity, 600 lb tongue weight capacity, and so long as you aren't towing more than that, this hitch is just a better overall value for your truck.

expert reply by: Kyle S