Best Front Trailer Hitches for a 2013 Chevy Silverado 2500 Diesel

Question:

I think the Curt C31023 will be the choice. It doesn't require removal of the front license plate like the DrawTite does. So with that on the front hitch, I'm down to 2 choices for a 2-bike holder. Looks like the Swagman S64650 or Hollywood HR1450 would work though the Swagman is 1 1/4 or 2" and the Hollywood is 2" - the Hollywood also looks beefier so I think that's the choice. So that leaves the following questions: 1) is my assumption about "beefiness" correct? We have 2 trek cruisers - not 10 speeds. So these are a bit thicker than a racing bike. 2) it appears from the pictures that the Shariff that connects to the front hitch extends about 8" or so - providing enough clearance with the face of the truck. Is that accurate? 3) I saw another user did this with a Ford and front hitch setup. I'm curious about how much loss of windshield visibility I'll see with this setup. 4) I want the front hitch to take bikes when camping with our trailer. When just going for a bike ride, can this also be used in the rear hitch with a reducer sleeve to fit the 2" bar in to my 2.5" receiver? Thanks very much for your help!!

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

Both Curt front hitch # C31023 and Draw-Tite hitch # 65078 will fit your 2013 Chevy Silverado 2500 with the diesel motor. Both companies list the hitches as a fit for all models of the '13 Silverado 2500, among other models. I have linked videos showing example installations of both hitches for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

Steve

6/18/2018

Michael H.

6/19/2018

In terms of beefiness I would give the edge to the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider # HR1450Z over the Swagman XC # S64650. The people around here who have used and/or own a Hollywood Racks bike rack have routinely said that they are well-made racks so between the two I do recommend the Sport Rider. The Sport Rider is rated for 50 pounds per bike with tires up to 3 inches wide. I am fairly certain your Trek Cruisers will fall into that category but it never hurts to check. With the Curt hitch # C31023 installed the face of the receiver will be about flush with the front of the truck. The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider measures about 7-1/2 inches from the face of the receiver to the nearest part of the rack and a few more inches beyond that to the center of the first set of wheel hoops. That should give you a good idea about where the bike rack will sit. Carrying bikes at the front of the vehicle will limit the driver's view a little but how much exactly is unknown. Just give yourself plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you and you won't have to worry about. The rack certainly can be used with a reducer sleeve in the 2-1/2 inch hitch at the rear of the truck. If you do not already have a reducer we have some options such as # C45405. I have linked the 2-1/2 to 2 inch reducers sleeves for you.