hitch question

[Marcia1212]

I am planning on purchasing a used tow vehicle. In your opinion, is an after-market hitch install just as good/safe as a factory installed hitch?
Thanks much!

[BurbMan]

In the case of the 00-07 GMs, an aftermarket hitch is waaay better than the factory one. As was pointed out, the "towing package" is not just the hitch, but the wiring for lights and brakes, along with a power steering cooler, engine oil cooler, and additional transmission cooler. Depending on the vehicle, it may already have and/or not need additional cooling capabilities. If you can provide specifics you will get more detailed replies.

[jerem0621]

Depends on the tow vehicle. On my Chrysler town and country the ONLY difference between the tow package and the non tow package is the receiver, wiring, and auto leveling suspension. All town and country's have he HD cooling package including external transmission, engine oil coolers, and Hd radiators.

Some vehicles have substantially more different between the tow package and the non tow package.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[mosseater]

I'm not a Ford engineer, and I don't play one on tv, but when I replaced my OEM hitch receiver with a DrawTite unit, the difference was night and day. Better design, perfect fit, very strong. The factory hitch used to wind up when I snapped up the bars, over 1/8", but the DrawTite doesn't measureably move. You'd need a dial indicator to see any movement. I would trust Reese, and I presume the rest are tested and safe also.

[Ron3rd]

bikendan wrote:
just remember, if the vehicle doesn't have the factory tow package, adding just a hitch receiver is NOT the same as the tow package.

you still have to add the wiring for a brake controller and a 7-pin connector, add a trans cooler and may need a change in the rear end ratio.

Very good advice here; if you don't have a hitch now, there is a high likelihood it does not have the tow package so you'll need the other stuff too. Some aftermarket hitches are better and stronger than OEM hitches.

[DougE]

Yes, to your original question. An aftermarket receiver hitch is fine. I have had a factory hitch recalled for a problem ('99 Dodge). Don't remember why though. I've installed a bunch of them myself. If you do it yourself you need a 1/2" drive torque wrench to get the bolts tightened adequately. If you have it done, use a large trailer sales lot where they are more likely experienced in doing it correctly.

[bikendan]

just remember, if the vehicle doesn't have the factory tow package, adding just a hitch receiver is NOT the same as the tow package.

you still have to add the wiring for a brake controller and a 7-pin connector, add a trans cooler and may need a change in the rear end ratio.

[azrving]

I had a 2009 Chevy Traverse (2000 lb tow) without the factory tow package and a 2012 Traverse (5200 lb tow) with the tow package and there was a huge difference. I bolted an aftermarket hitch on the 2009 but there is far more to it than that. Suspension didn't sag as bad on the 2012, it had the tow/haul selector. There isn't a problem with bolting on the hitch itself, the problem is with everything else that cant be upgraded. I would get the factory tow package.

[tworootless]

As long as it meets the rating your towing, and someone that knows what their doing installs it; YES.

[nomad297]

In many cases, the aftermarket hitch will be better than an OEM hitch.

Bruce