Parts Needed to Tow Boat Trailer with 2005 Chevy Impala

Question:

Hello, I am looking to install all necessary parts for a hitch on my 2005 Chevy Impala. I just wanted to make sure that all of these parts are compatible in the links below: 36407 3593 19257 HES0 C56116 18144 All in all, I would rather not by the hitch extender, but I do not know if that hitch and drawbar will reach out past the bumper enough for the trailer to snap on? Help is greatly needed. Also, I know that the hitch draw bar in one of the links includes a pin and clip. I included a link to buy a separate pin and clip because I assume it will be needed to secure the hitch extender the original hitch. Is this correct? One pin and clip is included for the drawbar and another is needed to use the extender? Also, I know almost nothing about wiring a trailer up to a vehicles lights. I am looking to hook up a small boat trailer and I thought this adapter would work. What would I need to know about the trailer wiring to ensure this adapter would do the job? Thank you very much,

asked by: Cameron M

Expert Reply:

We have everything need to get your 2005 Chevy Impala set up for towing a small boat trailer.

Starting with the trailer hitch, the Draw-Tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch Receiver # 36407 that you referenced is confirmed to fit your vehicle and is what I recommend going with. The Class II hitch gives you a strong unit and will make it easy to find compatible accessories down the line (such as bike racks and cargo carriers) if you ever decide to use the hitch in that manner, since it has the desirable 2" receiver opening. This hitch features a 3,500 pound towing capacity, but you will still be limited to the capacity of your vehicle. I took a look at the online owner's manual for your Chevy Impala and found that it features a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. Since a towing setup will always be limited by its weakest component, this is the limit you will need to follow.

I have attached an installation video for this hitch on your vehicle that you can use for reference.

Then, the Draw-Tite Drawbar # 3593 that you referenced is compatible with the above Draw-Tite Hitch, but since the hitch is pretty recessed behind the vehicle when installed on your Impala, it won't be your best option. As you mentioned in your question, using a separate extender to clear the rear bumper is not ideal, so a good solution is to simply choose a ball mount that has a longer shank. I recommend looking at the Curt Class II Drawbar # C45000. This ball mount measures 13-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole, which will be plenty to clear the rear bumper of your Impala without needing to use an adapter. This ball mount has a rise of 4 inches. I have attached an article on ball mounts that will help you in determining if this rise is adequate for towing your trailer level. This ball mount does not include a pin and clip so you will just need to add one with # F-4.

The Draw-Tite 1-7/8 Inch Hitch Ball # 19257 that you listed will work perfectly with this ball mount.

Lastly, the Curt Vehicle Wiring Harness # C56116 and Mounting Bracket # 18144 you listed is confirmed to fit your Impala and is exactly what I would have recommended. This custom harness will install by simply plugging into existing ports inside the trunk, behind the tail lights. This will give you a 4-Way connector that will power the trailer's basic signal lights. If the trailer you will be towing features something other than a 4-Way flat connector (see picture), please let me know and I will be happy to recommend what you will need.

I have attached installation instructions and short videos on the products mentioned that you can check out, along with a couple articles on trailer towing that you might find helpful. Please just let me know if you have any more questions along the way.