Recommended Class V Hitch for 2006 GMC Sierra for Towing 10,800 lb Boat
Updated 09/08/2014 | Published 09/04/2014
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Question:
Truck: 2006 GMC Sierra SB Crew Cab 4x4 with Allison/Duramax. I tow a boat that weighs 10,800 lbs. The factory hitch is rated for 10,000 lbs and, while I havent had any problems towing the boat so far, feel I should upgrade the hitch. I see several hitches on your site that are Class V, but with a 2inch receiver. I was under the impression that a Class V hitch had a 2.5inch receiver. Can you explain the pros and cons for 2inch versus 2.5. What hitch would you recommend for my vehicle and why? I also need to upgrade my ball mount and ball to match the tow rating of the hitch. I dont need any at all could use maybe an inch of lift. I see that some of the mounts have a shock absorbing feature. Is this appropriate for a trailer with surge brakes and the weight Im pulling? What ball mount/ball recommendation do you have for my situation?
asked by: Mark
Expert Reply:
I'd recommend upgrading that hitch, ASAP. If the hitch fails while you're towing, causing an accident, your insurance company would be well within their rights to deny you coverage which would leave you wide open to all kinds of legal liability. Not a pretty situation.
Usually, Class V hitches do indeed have a 2-1/2 inch receiver tube. However, companies like Curt Manufacturing, Draw-Tite and B&W have developed Class V hitches with a 2 inch receiver tube that are strong enough to be classified as Class V. The benefit of this is that you'd have lots of flexibility to use tons of different hitch mounted accessories without needing an adapter of any kind. The only potential downside I can see is that you'll need to pay close attention to the ratings of the ball mounts and trailer balls you use to make sure you don't exceed their weight capacities.
Assuming you truck has a standard factory bumper, the B&W Class V hitch, part
# BWHDRH25189 would be my recommendation. The hitch has plenty of capacity, 16,000 lbs towing/ 1600 lbs tongue weight.
I believe you mention that you need a 1 inch rise ball mount, correct? If this is the case, B&W offers a forged ball mount with a 16,000 lb capacity, part # BWBMHD30010. For a cushioned ball mount, you could use the Convert-A-Ball # AMSC2HD. This ball mount has a slightly lower capacity at 14,000 lbs.
Due to the weight of your boat, I'm assuming you need a 2-5/16 inch ball. The B&W # BWHB94050 provides a 16,000 capacity. If you can get by with slightly less capacity, you could use the Tow Ready # 63836, which has a 14,000 lb capacity.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V XD - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class V
- 2400 lbs TW
- 16000 lbs GTW
- 17000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 2400 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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