Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2003 Chevy Avalanche

Question:

The first review for this hitch #31302 is for the same 2003 AV 1500, with cladding I have. The writer claims that the receiver, when installed in the up position, is 8 inches behind the Bumper Fascia and he was required to use an 8 inch extension to make it work. Is this correct and what is the part # and cost of this additional item?. He also had to remove the U bar that supports the bottom of the Bumper Fascia to the frame. Without this support the Bumper Fascia will only be attached to the vehicle at the outer most ends under the wheel well with 2 bolts. It will probably blow away. The installation instruction you give is for a GMC Silverado. Where is the Avalanches This problem must have come up before, how was it resolved?

asked by: BOB W

Expert Reply:

First, regarding the installation instructions, the front receiver # 31302 does fit other Chevy models other than the Silverado. I don't know why they didn't put that in the instructions but it might be to save space since this receiver fits Sierra, Silverado, Yukon, Avalanche, Tahoe, Suburban, and Escalade models. That is also why you see a video installation on a 2003 Tahoe which I have linked for reference.

Regarding the use of an extension I do not recommend it. The use of an extension will reduce the tongue weight (or in this case vertical line pull) capacity by 50 percent. So instead of it having a vertical load capacity of 500 pounds it would be reduced to 250 pounds using an extension and it will put increased stress on the hitch.

But if the reduced capacity will still work for your application you could use # C45791.

I am not sure why the reviewer had to remove the bracket. And regarding the air dam he mentions, you would only need to trim it a little if the hitch pushed up on it. The instructions mention nothing about having to remove anything.

expert reply by: Michael H