Parts Needed for Towing with a 1983 Chevrolet C20 Pickup
Question:
I have the C20 camper special I need to take off the movable bumper but am wondering if this is the right fit for my truck or if there is a different one I need to buy. I want to be able to tow a car trailer so I need something that will hold the weight.
asked by: Jonathan L
Helpful Expert Reply:
The Curt Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13099 that you referenced will fit your 1983 Chevrolet C20 if it has an 8 foot bed and came with a deep drop bumper. This trailer hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs Gross Towing Weight (GTW) and 500 lbs Tongue Weight (TW). When used with a Weight Distribution (WD) system those capacities are increased to 5,500 lbs GTW and 550 lbs TW.
If you have an 8 foot bed with the standard or step bumper then you will want to go with the Curt # C14082 instead. This trailer hitch is rated for 10,000 lbs GTW and 1,000 lbs TW. When used with a WD system those are increased to 12,000 lbs GTW and 1,200 lbs TW.
Please Keep in mind that you will need to stay within the towing capacities of your Chevy as well. You will be limited by the lower weight capacity whether it is the trailer hitch or your truck.
Since you plan on towing you will also need a ball mount, like the Self-Locking Adjustable 2-Ball Mount w Chrome Balls # FA42-00-2600, and some trailer wiring. This ball mount is great because it is adjustable so you can use it for multiple applications, plus it has integrated locks for extra security.
If you don't have any wiring installed on your Chevy already then you will want to start off with the Tekonsha T-One # 118311 which provides you with basic trailer light functions. Since you will be pulling a car trailer I would assume that it has brakes. In that case you will also want to install our Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 which will give you everything that you need for a fully-functioning 7-Way.
I recommend going with the Prodigy P3 # 90195 for a brake controller if you don't already have one. It features an easy-to-read LCD screen that makes it very user friendly, plus it will allow you to store tow settings for multiple towing applications.
I have attached some installation videos, instructions, and helpful articles that you can reference for the installations.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 1000 lbs TW
- 10000 lbs GTW
- 12000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1200 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Flash Simple 2-Ball Mount w Chrome Balls - 2" Hitch - 6" Drop, 7" Rise
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Adjustable Ball Mount
- 2 Inch Ball
- 2-5/16 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Aluminum Shank - Silver
- Drop - 6 Inch
- Rise - 7 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 10000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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