I've got the stock Class 5 GM hitch. It is known to be marginal as a "class 5", but I don't use it anywhere near rated capacity. Also got a set of 30K Reese 5th wheel rails complete with HD extended frame plates. I don't have the actual 5th wheel, just wanted the option. But I did get the "goosy" 30k Goose Neck mount that fits the rails. I looked at the floating hitchs (my truck is short bed) that give you more cab clearance on shart turns, but didn't really seem worth it...
I have this laying on my garage floor. When I first bought my HD I was over at rv.net talking about towing and just hunting for towrig info. I found several posts of the GM factory hitch failing due to gusset welds cracking. If the cracks are not noticed then the hitch will fail intow. The claim is that the robot welder had poor grounds so the penetration of the welds are not good. That and the poor design of the hitch. THe receiver welded under a round stock cross bar. The receiver being held to the round stock by a series of gussets. Seams to me the only change GM made to the 1500 series hitch and 'class 5' is one aditional gusset right above the receiver inbetween the main U gusset. Next time you see a 1500 (01 or higher) check out the hitch and you will see the missing gusset. Anyway I will be MAX towing my rig so I decided to upgrade to 'rea' class 5 hitch. I'm sure the GM hitch is fine for normal loads but if you are above 7K I would keep a very close eye on the welds. I changed mine for insurance and piece of mindwaytogo
I dont think there is any arguement that the Titan is the beefiest bumper pull hitch out there. I plan to upgrade mine one of these days, she sure does look burly. waytogo
No doubt. But I will only be towing max around 7k on the bumper pull. The stock GM hitches should NEVER be used as "Class V" hitches IMO. They are just glorified class 3 really. But adequate for my needs for the foreseeable future. And I do have a 30k goose/fiver for when I have a place to store a larger trailer and, of course, find the right trailer. When I ever take my truck in for warranty work (assuming I ever do), I'll have them apply the TSB, but I'm not sweating it. Frankly, I could probably do a better job of reinforcing it than they can if it comes to it, but I would rather they have the liability...
