Parts Needed To Tow Trailer With Tailgate Down With 2015 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab Short Bed

Question

Question:

Hello, my name is Dan. Im interested in your products but I am not sure what to purchase. Ill give you the info on what Im trying to do and maybe you can point me in the right direction. I have a 2015 GMC sierra SLT, crew cab, short bed Z71 4x4, all stock. I want to tow a Jayco Baja 18ft travel trailer close to 4,000 lbs and also have a ATV maybe 1500 lbs in the bed of my truck. Since I have a short bed the tailgate will most likely be down and there might be some over hang from the atv/utv. Is this possible with your hitch extensions/truss? I Im new to towing trailers. Any info you can provide will be appreciated

asked by: Daniel H

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are on the right track! Towing with your tailgate down with the 2015 GMC sierra SLT requires an extension to extend past the tailgate and have proper clearance. However, the TorkLift SuperTruss Hitch Extension for SuperHitch Trailer Hitch Receivers part # TLE1524 requires a SuperHitch Torklift trailer hitch on the GMC Sierra which there is not one available for the 2015 GMC sierra 1500 SLT.

I recommend to use an extended ball mount to gain the clearance that you need to tow with your tailgate down. The Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitch - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10,000 lbs # BM20 is going to be your best option. It is 13-1/4" long with a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. To see if this ball mount is enough length for you, I recommend measuring from the inside front of the bed to very edge of the tailgate. The difference between that measurement and the length of the trailer is how much extension you need.

The Brophy ball mount is the longest option we have. You will also need a hitch ball like # A-90 for a 2 inch diameter or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter hitch ball with the 1-1/4 inch diameter shank that is compatible with the ball mount.

You may also consider adding rear suspension enhancement with SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle part # SSR-209-40 since you tow with the ATV in the bed. The springs will help level out the payload and prevent rear sag while towing because between the ATV and the trailer tongue weight there is extra stress on the truck's rear frame.

expert reply by: Heather A

1

Answer 1

In regards to a Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter like part #RP94720 and a Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Pin Box like part #325-GH-8045, the main difference is that one uses air for…

view full answer...

Answer 2

I have just what you need, a stainless steel locking anti-rattle hitch pin for you. I suggest the Stainless Steel Locking, Anti-Rattle Threaded Hitch Pin for 2" Trailer Hitches part #SR25219. You will need a hollow shank for this to work.…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Yes, the Gen-Y Adjustable 2-Ball Mount w/ Stacked Receivers #325-GH-924 can be used to mount your debris loader and tow your landscape trailer. This ball mount will not decrease the capacity of your hitch and it is more than capable of handling the…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The Gen-Y anti-rattle device you mentioned part #GY88XR does have a reputation as fitting really tightly. Some people report that using a hammer works for them, but I personally wouldn't want to mess with all of that. A U-bolt style anti-rattle…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

view full answer...

Answer 9

To me it makes the most sense to put a Bike Rack #HLY64FR on the flat towed vehicle rather than above the tow bars. Especially on heavy e-bikes as they are difficult to lift that high onto the rack, but also as it only makes sense to have the rack on…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hello Steve. I do have a good solution for you, but I cannot recommend using the Malone Adapter #MPG544. Since it is rated for towing only 4,000 lbs, your 8,000 lb towed vehicle would be double the max towing capacity. You are right about there being…

view full answer...

Answer 11

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Answer 12

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Parts Needed To Tow Trailer With Tailgate Down With 2015 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab Short Bed

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Continue Researching