Factory Hitch Mount?

[ZenDriver]

I've been researching trailer hitch options.

Really, all I want/need is the 5000lbs rated factory hitch. I would prefer to keep the departure angles on my rig as clean as possible and I like the integrated bumper look. Since I already have a line on an inexpensive painted bumper, all I really need is the assembly that bolts onto the frame.

Anyone have a part number/price for this beast? Anyone have a used one they want to sell?

Thanks!

 

[jetboy1975]

Curt makes a nice one. Part # 13445. Clean look, easy install and no need to cut/modify factory bumper. I think it was under $150 online in the US. Hidden Hitch has one as well but they changed he part number. I think it was 17779. If you're just looking for the factory one that bolts to the x-member I'll sell you mine for $40+ shipping.

 

[Nuke]

I believe the stock hitch's 5000 lb rating included bigger brakes and a tranny cooler than what's supplied on a stock T4R w/o the tow package. Just adding the hitch doesn't make it equivalent to a T4R with the tow package.

 

[ZenDriver]

I believe the stock hitch's 5000 lb rating included bigger brakes and a tranny cooler than what's supplied on a stock T4R w/o the tow package. Just adding the hitch doesn't make it equivalent to a T4R with the tow package.

Humm, are you sure about this?

I know the V8s have larger brakes as well as a different (7000lbs, weight distributing) hitch. My impression was that the V6 hitch was really just a port installed option that consists of a bumper cover and the small hitch assembly bolted to the frame cross member.

In all my searches on the topic, I have yet to read about the 5000lbs hitch (the V6, cross member mounted version) having any other substantial differences (brakes, transmission cooler or diff coolers).

I should add- I am not planning on doing much towing. I mostly want it for a bike/gear mount. I might pick up a small trailer for hauling larger items around, but i wont be towing a boat or big trailer over long distances.

Thanks!

 

[ZenDriver]

Curt makes a nice one. Part # 13445. Clean look, easy install and no need to cut/modify factory bumper. I think it was under $150 online in the US. Hidden Hitch has one as well but they changed he part number. I think it was 17779. If you're just looking for the factory one that bolts to the x-member I'll sell you mine for $40+ shipping.

Are you in Canada? If shipping wouldn't double the price, I would be more than happy to take it off your hands!

Drop me a PM (i am out the door now) and we can figure out how painful the shipping/customs will be. Thanks!

 

[Nuke]

Humm, are you sure about this?...

No as a matter of fact. And I just went into the garage and looked at the original window sticker and it doesn't mention anything other than the hitch so I could be wrong. Hopefully we'll get input from others.

As a side note, I hadn't realized that I had the XREAS suspension until now. It's surprising what you can find out from reading. LOL!

 

[TechWrench]

I believe the stock hitch's 5000 lb rating included bigger brakes and a tranny cooler than what's supplied on a stock T4R w/o the tow package. Just adding the hitch doesn't make it equivalent to a T4R with the tow package.

I have an '03 V6, with the factory tow package, and all it includes is the rear crossmember mounted 5K hitch, the light wire harness with 7-pin plug, a 2" drop ball mount, and an adapter harness for a brake controler. There is no aux transmission cooler, just the oem cooler in the radiator. And I have the standard brake package, even though mine came with the 17" wheel upgrade option. The aux cooler was part of the V8 towing package.

I upgraded my hitch to a Valley frame mounted unit for WD capability, and installed an aftermarket Hayden stacked plate trans cooler.

Just a note for the original poster, the crossmember mounted factory 5K hitch, requires 6 (six) bolts to attach it to the crossmember, and you will have to remove the rear bumper cover in order to install it.

 

[jetboy1975]

It can be installed without removing the bumper cover. It's a PITA but it can be done with a ratcheting box wrench if you pry the cover back a bit and wedge something between it and the x-member.

 

[TechWrench]

It can be installed without removing the bumper cover. It's a PITA but it can be done with a ratcheting box wrench if you pry the cover back a bit and wedge something between it and the x-member.

Maybe so, but when I removed mine, to install the new hitch, the bolts were so rusted, that I needed direct access to the bolts to break them loose with a HD long ratchet. And the two bolts on top were especially difficult to get to with the bumper cover in place. Maybe with a new vehicle, that hasn't had time to be bit by the 'rust' monster. :biggrin2: