Buying the Receiver hitch for nwe tow vehicle

[oceansbreeze]

So I went to Canadian tire to get a new receiver to go into the back of my new GMC Envoy. I then noticed they have them in "drops" of 2 1/2" 3 1/2" 5 1/2" etc.... I think it's a class III hitch (it's about 2 1/4" square - my old receiver just goes in, like tossing a hot dog down a hallway) - there is probably a straight one too, but I stopped looking at that point.

So, I asked the guy "what one do I buy for my Envoy?"

"whatever one you want, man..." was his reply...

Yeah, great answer...

So how do I choose the most appropriate one? Standard trailer rated for 1800 lb with my 17 foot princecraft on it. Other than having the higher one, which would keep the bow up, I assume making shallow launching easier, cause the stern would be lower?

If I want to be able to open my tailgate when launching, so I can see dead out the back ... do I want the bow high, or low (high, I am guessing)

Stupid question, I know.... but at least I got the 7 round to 7 flat light adaptor already

 

[jfadool]

Re: Buying the Receiver hitch for nwe tow vehicle

select the one that will keep your trailer level when towing.

Break out a tape measure and a level. put the trailer on level ground then put the level perpendicular to the axle on the tongue. Raise or lower the jack until you are level. Measure the height to the hitch.

Now measure the height of your truck's receiver. taking in to account for the height of the ball, subtract the two numbers and that will be your drop or lift required.

Go buy the closest size at the store, remember that the truck will sink some with the tongue weight. So if you are in-between sizes pick the appropriate one.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Buying the Receiver hitch for nwe tow vehicle

Most trailers tow level when the coupler is about 18 - 19 inches off the ground. Measure the height of the receiver (the part on the truck is the receiver -- not the ball mount which is what you are trying to buy). Buy the ball mount that puts the ball at or about 19 inches. Depending on tongue weight, the rear of the vehicle will squat a bit so you may need to compensate for that but it certainly will not be more than a couple inches.

 

[oceansbreeze]

Re: Buying the Receiver hitch for nwe tow vehicle

Thanks guys..... that helps a lot!

 

[mike343]

Re: Buying the Receiver hitch for nwe tow vehicle

You obviously a truck without the factory row package. Check you rear axle ratio and tow rating before you tow a lot of weight.

 

[oceansbreeze]

Re: Buying the Receiver hitch for nwe tow vehicle

You obviously a truck without the factory row package. Check you rear axle ratio and tow rating before you tow a lot of weight.

Nope, it does have the factory tow package, and the transmission cooler. I checked the vin # with GM and it's rated for 6300Lb. I just didn't have the ball mount with it when I got it. I've been using a dodge caravan for the last few years for towing..... big step up for my tow vehicle, just didn't have that part that goes in the back....

See this older post when I was looking for new vehicle..

http://forums.iboats.com/showpost.php?p=2606759&postcount=32

(see entire thread here) http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=381420

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Buying the Receiver hitch for nwe tow vehicle

Chevy/GMC lately are shipping their tow packages with the larger receiver (2 1/4"). Rummage around under the seat and look for a square tubing sleeve that adapts the receiver down to 2' square. If it isn't there, you can easily get a new one at U-Haul for about 10$. Don't try to tow the standard 2" in the larger receiver.

 

[oceansbreeze]

Re: Buying the Receiver hitch for nwe tow vehicle

Chevy/GMC lately are shipping their tow packages with the larger receiver (2 1/4"). Rummage around under the seat and look for a square tubing sleeve that adapts the receiver down to 2' square. If it isn't there, you can easily get a new one at U-Haul for about 10$. Don't try to tow the standard 2" in the larger receiver.

there is some kind of sleeve thing under the seat... but it didn't look like antyhing I ever saw.... I tried to wiggle it a bit, then gave up.. lol - hmm, I just finished washing, waxing and polishing her up. I'll go have anotherl ook under the seat... I did measure from the ground, the bottom of the receiver is 19 inches from ground. The width is 2 1/4".

EDIT: that "thing" apears to be the actual jack. It's kind of a cone shaped thing. Looks more like block to put under a frame, than a jack.... but anyway, definitely nothing under the seat for the receiver....