Many new full size trucks are factory equipped
with a frame mounted receiver hitch, but some buyers aren't as
luckily equipped, as was the ORC Silverado. Having a hitch on a
truck is almost a necessary given, regardless of how often it may
be used. The current industry standard for hitches are created
using heavy guage square tubing, available in various classes,
according to one's specific needs.
Draw-tite has made a name for itself in producing a wide
variety of hitches to suit many different needs, from pulling a
small personal watercraft behind the family mini-van, to heavy duty
trucks needing a GTW of 12,000 lbs.
We
choose their Max-Frame Class III-IV receiver. The boxed kit comes
with what little is necessary to mount the hitch up to the Chevy;
which literally only took 15 minutes. Follow through the brief
photo illustrated install to see how easy it is.
Heres what you get: quality
hardware with convenient carriage bolt backing plates to ease the
process.
First off,
simply remove the 19mm bolts from the rear bumper as
shown.
Next, place the backing
plates in the frame holes, where the rear most of the hitch will be
mounted.
The next step can be
accomplished alone, but it always helps when two more hands are
available. It is possible to lift the hitch up and mount the bolts
in place alone, but it can tend to be a little awkward; let alone
the fact that the hitch wouldn't feel that great if it fell upon
you.
Once the rear most bolts are
in place and the four nuts are snug, simply tighten everything with
nearly excessive force. After the hitch has been used for a short
period of time, be sure to check the bolts to ensure they are still
secure.
Of course you may need to run to
the local auto parts store to purchase the proper lighting system
connector, which is typically a simple process also.
We have hauled around a 20 foot flatbed trailer
numberous times since the installation of the Draw-tite Max-Frame
hitch with obviously no problems at all. The slightly curved design
of the hitch does a nice job if hiding the big box tubing, while
providing great strength.
When it comes to
buying a hitch, just figure out what you are going to be doing with
the product, then target a quality backed company like Draw-tite
and you'll be safe to know that whatever it is that you're going to
be hauling, will stay in tow.
The Good
The Bad
Quality known product
Quick, simple installat
ion
Like most receivers, you'll still need to buy
the hitch
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