Hitches

[PLJ]

Why would I need to call my Chevy dealer to see about using a WDH? I've been pulling my camper trailer for 2 years without issues (To the Black Hills and the U.P) using the weight bearing hitch. What would be the deal braker for using a WDH? I have a 2inch receiver on my TV

The reason I ask is that I called my dealer and after being passed around several unhelpful folks they took my number and said they'd call me back. That was 3 days ago. :mad: Do I need to try other Chevy dealers in the neighbourhood to get a definitive answer.

Also with regards to WDH, I see a lot of different weight classes. From 400/4000 pounds to 1000/12000 pounds (probably even higher). At some point in the future we intend to upgrade to one of the larger hard bodies. Can I use a large WDH for the light pop up trailer or is it recommended to use something close to the weight limits of the trailer. In my case sticking with 400/4000.

Thanks.

4 trips already booked for this year: Fort Ridgely state park; Wild River state park. Church Summer camp in Brainerd and Washington DC.

[tlhdoc]

Who said you need to call your Chevy dealer?

[PLJ]

I see it mentioned on Tim5055 website and in an earlier post of mine on 'how to improve towing', a couple of people told me to check my TV owners manual before installing a WDH. The owners manual is well gone hence calling my dealer.

[Cheryl]

I don't know how much your Chevy dealership is really going to know about WDH. You might be better off to call your local RV dealership as they would know more about WDHs and you might get a more timely answer.
Cheryl

[flyfisherman]

PLJ - Presently have a GMC Sierra pick'em up (previously had an '00 GMC Sonoma), and to get all the factors together regarding hitches and specs, it was necessary for me to get from the GMC dealership a "Trailering Guide" book. Looks much like the usual yearly product cataloge, only the trailering guide is all about towing - what each model will carry and tow and just what kind of hitching equipment is necessary. I should think the Chevy store would have the same type publication zeroed in on Chevy trucks.


Fly

[OC Campers]

Might have been me who said to check the owners manual or the dealer. i had a similar problem, I kept getting conflicting advice from different hitch companies and the place I bought my trailer. As a result my first set up was a weight carrying hitch on my Astro and the rear end of the trailer sagging about half a foot. In the end I read my owners manual and found that I had to have a WDH for anything heavier than 2000 lbs. As a result I had to replace that setup with a Mini- 350 WDH which also had sway control. I later upgraded to the Mini 400 single bar WDH and a friction sway bar. This setup was easier to use and the friction sway bar worked better. My Astro / Westlake combination tended to sway pretty bad.

 
I have seen a lot of people use a standard WDH on their Coleman trailers instead of these lightweight models. Like you appear to be thinking, when they upgrade to a hybrid they don't have to buy a new hitch assembly.The most ecent one I saw was a Niagra being pulled by a Ford Explorer.
 
Regards
 
Randy

[PLJ]

Thanks for the help and advice. I bought a WDH from Hitchmart.COM for $269 (free shipping). 400/4000. It should be here tomorrow. Figured it will be several years before we upgrade to anything bigger anyhow. I'll install this weekend.