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11-18-2010, 12:30 PM
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#1
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Edison
Posts: 7,856
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Trailer hitch question
I have been looking for a truck for a while now and one of the requirements I have is a trailer hitch. I have noticed two types, one is under the bumper and one is a ball on the bumper. I have seen trucks with neither hitches but still have the cut out for a ball on the bumper. What is the major difference?
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11-18-2010, 12:41 PM
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#2
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Sliderule / Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Catawissa PA
Posts: 2,294
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Capacity. Bumper mounts are for very light, I'd never trust it! A frame mount is for heavier (real) trailers with brakes and such. If your looking for something such as towing your bike you want a frame mount
I'd suggest looking for a truck that is already wired for a trailer ( or better yet has the tow package. My GM has the tow package, came with class2 hitch, wiring and has a setting that also changes the trans shift points when in tow mode). Then it's just a matter of buying a brake controller, plugging it in and adding the fuses into the fuse box.
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93Z M6 Black: The 385 Lives! Supercharged, 3-core front mount intercooler, GTP heads, 3:73's, Street twin clutch, Jethot Longtubes, Mufflex 4" catback/spintech, S+W cage, Spohn Suspenion, Yada Yada Yada
1) Build it
2) Race it
3) Break it
4) Repeat!!!
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11-18-2010, 12:51 PM
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#3
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Edison
Posts: 7,856
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So it's just better to buy a truck with the tow package.. I would be towing the car a lot would a GM 1500 be ok or should I step up to a 2500? I would get a f250 if I got a ford and dodge is out of the question for me.
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11-18-2010, 02:11 PM
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#4
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Ayatollah of Rock N Rolla / Admin
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 12,573
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WayFast84
So it's just better to buy a truck with the tow package.. I would be towing the car a lot would a GM 1500 be ok or should I step up to a 2500? I would get a f250 if I got a ford and dodge is out of the question for me.
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I'd go with the 2500 if you can swing it.
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11-18-2010, 05:30 PM
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#5
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NNJ
Posts: 1,489
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Dont most trucks come with the wires pre-ran to the back? If so i remeber my dads truck was just adding the fuse, connecting the +12wire up front and mounting the 7-pin trailer plug.
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1997 Camaro Z28 - 355 LT1, T56, CC503, LTs, ORY, Bald Eagle-back exhaust, !emissions, Lingenfelter CAI, EWP, !CAGS, BMR LCAs, UMI PHB, Koni Str.t/Koni SA, C5 Z06 front / LS1 F-body rear brake swap, factory hurst with short stick 
2014 2LT Cruze 2.0 Turbo Diesel
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11-18-2010, 05:42 PM
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#6
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: under a roof
Posts: 2,034
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A bumper hitch is a waste if you are going to pull a car. If you can afford a diesel, then get a 2500. If not a 1500 will tow a car and an open trailer just fine.
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1973 Chevy Nova - best e.t.-10.04 - currently disassembled
1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
2016 Dodge Durango R/T
2015 Ram 3500 Dually Cummins
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11-18-2010, 05:55 PM
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#7
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Orange County NY
Posts: 579
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buy the biggest truck you can afford....
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2000 Camaro 25.5 Turbo car  X275
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11-18-2010, 05:56 PM
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#8
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11 second club / Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: West Berlin, NJ
Posts: 7,148
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mc73nova
A bumper hitch is a waste if you are going to pull a car. If you can afford a diesel, then get a 2500. If not a 1500 will tow a car and an open trailer just fine.
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I will never use a bumper hitch no matter how light the trailer is. My old man years ago was pulling a light pop up and had to make a quick stop. The bumper bent down to a 45* angle.
A class III receiver is average 120-130 bucks. Bolt it on right in the driveway. Usually the factory runs the LT, RT, Marker, and ground wires back there. If not then there are adapters available. Its pretty much stupid proof now a days.
I have no problems towing the open trailer with my 1500. If you have to install a brake controller. A simple time delay is all you need. Use circuit breakers, proper guage wire, and follow the directions. Some trailer dealers
will sell a kit that includes it all. I ran 10g for my power and 12g for my brakes.
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2001 Trans Am WS6 •SLP Loudmouth II •UMI Suspension •12.857 @ 109.57
1996 Trans Am WS6 •Pacesetter Longtubes •Strange 12 Bolt •Spohn Suspension •11.152 @ 123.85
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11-18-2010, 06:37 PM
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#9
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Hippy Mod, Bergermeister Meisterberger, Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Ewing
Posts: 6,216
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Like everyone else said, don't even think of the bumper hitch. It's not hard to install a frame mounted hitch so you can do that yourself if needed. A truck with the towing package will usually have the wiring ready to go, the hitch installed and usually some form of transmission cooler as well so that would be the best set up to look for. An extended cab will feel better towing due to the longer wheelbase compared to a standard cab short bed truck.
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69 Z28 JL8 4 wheel disc brakes - being restored
09 Silverado Z71
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11-19-2010, 12:29 PM
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#10
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Power Member / Load Driver
Join Date: May 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 2,016
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Go diesel!!!!!!!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 79CamaroDiva
yep. jenn loves teh leghumping.. so much so that most ppl dont realize her name belongs to a chick  |
I'd be unstoppable if not for law enforcement & physics
2011 Regal CXL TO2
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