Recommended Electric Winch and Front Mounted Trailer Hitch for 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500HD

Question:

I plan to buy a front hitch part number 65078 for my 2015 Silverado 2500HD. I also plan to use a 12,000 pound pull winch. How will that size winch effect the trailer hitch rated at 9,000 pound pull? Is there any danger associated or chance it could pull off the front of my truck? Would a 10k winch work better? Thanks!

asked by: John

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 65078 is a confirmed fit for your 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500. This hitch is rated for 9000 lbs line pull as you stated and a trailer weight of 5,000 lbs.

If you were to use an electric winch like the Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch - Wireless Remote - Wire Rope - Roller Fairlead - 12,000 lbs # BDW10039, then the maximum line pull is 12,000 lbs for a static load or 120,000 lbs for a rolling load. That is the maximum pull with the greatest amount of torque with a single layer of wire rope around the drum. This line pull is reduced by each layer of wire rope around the drum, so 2nd layer is 9210, 3rd layer is 8,030, and 4th layer is 6,894 lbs. If you were to use the winch at its longest reach and a static load, it could cause bending in your hitch. If you were to use a pulley block that would reduce the impact so you could pull a greater weight and still keep the hitch safe.

Whether a 10K winch would be better really depends on your use, but if you would be using it for a static load at the second layer range you will get less pull and it will take longer but won't hurt the hitch. I personally would want the stronger winch and would stay within my limits for best all around function.

I recommend using the Bulldog Winch Receiver Mount Kit - 2" x 2" # BDW20155 for this application.

expert reply by: Jason S