Trailer Hitch for Towing with a 2012 Chevy Tahoe

Question:

I am told that the Chevy Tahoe is built on a Silverado frame so I assume this can installed on my 2012 Tahoe given its flexibility in assembly. I want this class of hitch as the Tahoe has excellent towing capability so I need a hitch to make use of it

asked by: Henry N

Expert Reply:

The only trailer hitch that was designed for your 2012 Chevy Tahoe is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13161. The Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 41947 is a pretty big hitch that is designed for a 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 cab and chassis model which is pretty different to what you have.

With that being said, it looks like your Tahoe has a towing capacity range of 5,200 lbs - 6,000 lbs so since the Curt is rated for a max of 6,000 lbs you will be able to tow with your Tahoe to it's full capacity with this hitch (I believe the higher ratings are for if your vehicle came with the tow package). To add wiring to this you need the Hopkins # 30955 which plugs into existing wiring at the back and under your Tahoe, and then to secure these connectors you need the No-Drill Mount Bracket # 18136. You will need to connect the existing red wire for 12V power and the dark blue wire for a brake controller to your battery under your hood.

According to the online version of the owner's manual, a brake controller is required for any trailer over 2,000 lbs. I recommend using the P3 # 90195 because it is easy to use and switch between different trailers due to the storable settings. Since it uses an LCD screen it is able to tell you outright what is going on instead of trying to read and remember a code. To install this you will connect the following wires under the driver side dash of your Tahoe to the following wires of the P3 pigtail:

Dark Blue - Blue
Red/Black - Black
White - White
Light Blue/White - Red

And last but not least you need a ball mount to complete your towing setup. I recommend the B&W Tow & Stow # BWTS10047B for that since it is adjustable, comes with the 3 popular hitch ball sizes (1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16"), plus it easily stores under your trailer hitch when not in use. You can use a single locking hitch pin # C23025 to secure your investment.