Trailer Hitch for a 2003 Chevy Express Cutaway Van with School Bus Body

Question:

Could you tell me what hitch I would need for a 2003 Chevy express 3500 cutaway van with a school bus body. There are NO predrilled holes like the regular vans seem to have and when I look up what hitch fits a 2003 van it doesn’t or I can’t find it staring if it’ll fit a cutaway model. I assume they’d be the same but am not sure.

asked by: Brandon

Expert Reply:

To use a hitch to tow with your 2003 Chevy Express van, it needs to mount to the frame at the rear underside of the vehicle to provide the necessary stability. If holes are not already there to install the hitch to you can look at a custom option drilling holes. The hitch manufacturer will likely not honor a warranty with such an install.

I measured the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2" # 14090 hitch that is the same dimensions as # C15320 measuring the width from the center of the mounting holes on all 4 SETS OF holes was 40" wide. In order for this hitch to fit your bus you need the center of the frame rails to be 40 inches apart. The included video provides more detail regarding the install of this as an example.

Another option that is my recommendation is the Buyers Products 2" Hitch Receiver For GM Express/Savana with Cutaway Chassis # 3371801102. This is a custom hitch that is meant for installation on cutaway chassis buses like yours. This hitch is designed to have the holes drilled into the frame vs. the first the Curt hitch option.

expert reply by: Patrick R