Tow 8k, Need Weight Dist Hitch?

[hotstang46`]

I have an 08 H2, Do I need a weight distributing hitch to tow about 8k? I'm not near my vehicle to check a manual or look at the hitch but I seem to remember gm saying it had to, or maybe just advised it :confused: .. My truck does have the factory airbags btw.

thanks guys, I have to tow right when I get home so if I need this I need to order up if needed before I get home. And I guess if I do my only other concern is I don't really see a drop for one of those distributing hitches that would work. I'm stock height but on 38.5's right now.

[twr]

Hi i would use mine at 8k. it will tow much better if your going far. Does your truck still have the rear tire mounted? If it does you will need to buy extensoin to clear the rear tire then a drop.

[hotstang46`]

I do still have the the spare, in fact it matches the rest of the wheels and has a 22with a 38.5in bfg on it. But what is the need for an extension, I've towed my boats around with nothing but a drop hitch, no extension or anything.

Also, I'm having problems finding a company with a wd hitch that has a large enough drop shank, any idea who has one? :)

[twr]

hi i have a 28 foot car trailer and i have to put a 5 inch extension i made in order the clear my spare tire, so i can put the trailer on the hitch, here a link to a kit just like mine. Their are cheaper kits out there. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Reese-10-000-LB-Weight-Distribution-Distributing-Hitch_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4cebb8062dQQitemZ 330372220461QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAc cessories

[tomp]

It is best to get a custom hitch shank made. You don't want to use an extension when towing anything heavier than a couple of bicycles.

Here is what my custom shank looks like: http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28960&highlight=hitch

[Astroboy]

With that much weight plus the leveraging effect of the extension, you're definitely pushing the envelop. Saying I wouldn't be confortable is an understatement.

FYI, you can find on the net, many instances of GM hitches failing and ripped off (many Suburbans and Tahoes).

The OEM hitch has a sticker that indicates the rating of 600 lb tongue weight without WD or 1000 lb tongue weight with WD.

The hitch hangs on the main ladder frame via clamps that is merely a few inches wide.

Solution -> Upgrade your hitch to class IV.

For a few hundred bucks, you can easily have a local hitch shop weld some additional cross members and reinforce the hitch. They can also legally rebadge and give it new rating.

I had this done, and now my new sticker says the hitch is good to tow up to 10,000 lb trailer and 1200 lb tongue weight without WD.

[twr]

Hi tomp, my hitch looks just like your pictures its 5 inches longer, maybe i should have made myself clearer when i said extension. I am sorry my mistake.

[MtnMan]

Astroboy,
I'm interested in learning more about your additional flanges on your hitch to boost the tow rating.
How did you find a shop that could re-badge after the work? Is this common to most shops?
I've been considering swapping a heavier GM-based hitch to raise the towing capacity, but your solution makes a lot of sense and seems easier.
Thanks, Sean

[Astroboy]

OEM hitch is bolt-on, similar to the photo.

You must forgive me for my touchpad finger-painting ...

Blue represents Hummer's ladder frame.
Red represents additional square tubings and gusset plates that are fabbed and welded by my local hitch shop (Hitch Master Inc. in Van Nuys, CA, a couple of nice guys w/ welders).

When I bought my H2, I made sure not to pick stock air suspension. I felt that it's too-complicated system that I didn't want to look after. Instead, I opted to install aftermarket supplemental airbags designed to be inserted within the coils. I just bicycle-pump them as needed, when I tow.

I think H2 makes a nice tow vehicle — more than the likes of Tahoe or Expedition because of its short overhangs that mitigates the leverage force of "trailer sway".

My impression was... H2 has somewhat-soft rear suspension which needed to be stiffened. Other factors in H2 (engine, trans, axles) are good to go, because they all come from 3/4ton parts bin...

[Astroboy]

How did you find a shop that could re-badge after the work? Is this common to most shops?

I have no idea what the rules are...

My H2's GCWR remains the same, just like it has been from the factory. This is the sticker by my door, the rating for the VEHICLE. Front axle is rated to support up to 4000 lb. Rear, up to 5000lb. You can't change that, unless you swap axles.

But, I have a new sticker with increased rating on my hitch receiver, which I assume it applies to HITCH ONLY. Just like, nothing is stopping you to buy Class5 hitch receiver with 15000 lb sticker and install it on your truck.

[kalantar]

defintiely get the weight dist hitch...

[tomp]

Hi tomp, my hitch looks just like your pictures its 5 inches longer, maybe i should have made myself clearer when i said extension. I am sorry my mistake.

No worries :beerchug: