Chevy\GM Factory Receiver Hitch on 3\4-1Ton Trucks

There are far too many reports on here of GMT800 (00-07) pickup and SUV receivers failing when new well under its ratings. I recommend a replacement now that they are 10 years old.

On my F250 I replaced the factory hitch with a Curt class 5 hitch. About $150 including shipping.The factory hitches on all PUs are cheapo.

Curt makes a class 5 with a 2" opening

I have recently been looking into replacing my OEM hitch. I went to two different hitch garages and they both said it is not worth it. They could have each made a sale but both said if you are within capacity you are fine.

Now one of the garages does rv, trailer work, suspension and engine work. The other place does just trailer and suspension along with custom hitches and the manager/owner inspected my 04' 2500. He pointed out the ones that are weaker had bolts just along the frame and Chevy beefed them up by adding two more bolts closer to the receiver portion.

FWIW I am not well versed in trucks and pulling as I am fairly new myself.

Mine GMC is an 06.
I replaced ours with a Putnam XDR (extra duty receiver). It is much more substantial and has a better strength design than the original.... They are no longer available but there are a bunch of heavy duty ones out there.

............Thanks friends , I appreciate your input ! , jf

jimmyfred wrote:
.........My Chevy 2003 3500 dually is equipped the factory hitch , BUT I've heard rumors that these hitchs have had problems ! Just looking at the hitch , it doesn't look that well made to me . Thanks , jf

You are correct. MANY people replaced those hitches. It seems they would break, or flex. Would not transfer weight with a WDH as they were supposed to. You may want to consider it as well

I had a 2003 and now have a 2011.

The hitch on the 2003 was a very "slim" looking design. The hitch on the 2011 looks like it is on steroids when compared to my 2003 hitch.

Somewhere on the forum is a side by side picture of the 2003 style factory hitch next to a good quality aftermarket hitch. The differences were amazing.