Installing etrailer.com Trailer Hitch # E98860 on 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500

Question:

Hello I noticed under the bumper there is a cross member with a sticker from factory indicating max weight 5000 lbs. I need a hitch that can handle 9000 lbs. my question is that if I order this hitch will I have to remove factory hitch?

asked by: Jose

Expert Reply:

The etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver # E98860 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500. This Class IV hitch is designed to bolt up to the frame rails using existing holes and wedge right up against the OEM cross beam that you mentioned. If this OEM beam is what you referred to as the factory hitch then it will not be removed and needs to stay in place.

If instead you do actually have a factory trailer hitch installed with a 2 inch receiver it will need to be removed for the new hitch to install properly.

This Class IV hitch does feature a 10,000 pound towing weight capacity but I do recommend verifying the capacity of your Silverado. There are a number of factors that can determine the truck's capacity, including its engine size, axle ratio, and bed size. You can verify this limit by checking your copy of the owner's manual or by visiting a local Chevy dealer with your VIN. Because a towing setup is always limited by its weakest component, you will need to adhere to whichever limit is lower, the truck's or the hitch's.

I have attached an installation video of this hitch on the 2018 Silverado that you can use for reference.

expert reply by: Chris R