Differences Between Trailer Hitch Options for 2014 Chevy Volt

Question

Question:

I am looking to haul a Genesis kayak trailer 300lbs. and kayak 100lbs. I see that Item # C11221 will only handle 100 lbs, so that will not be sufficient. 1. I am curious if Item # 306-X7180 or Code: 306-X7186 would be able satisfactorily to meet my needs? 2. Are there important differences between the latter two hitches?

asked by: Tom C

0

Expert Reply:

The 100 lb figure you mention for the Curt # C11221 is actually the tongue weight capacity of the hitch, which is the maximum amount of downward force that could safely be applied to the trailer ball.

Typically the tongue weight of a given trailer is between 10 and 15% of its fully loaded weight. Given that your trailer weighs a maximum of 400 lbs, the most tongue weight you'd likely see is 60 lbs, which is well within the capacity of the Curt # C11221.

The EcoHitch # 306-X7180 and # 306-X7186 do indeed have a higher tongue weight capacity at 300 lbs, but as long as 400 lbs total is the heaviest trailer you'll deal with, you really don't need to incur the extra expense of the EcoHitch models. They won't really do anything for you that the Curt hitch won't.

The EcoHitch # 306-X7180 and the # 306-X7186 have the same capacity, but the # 306-7180 installs up behind the bumper and features a removable receiver tube. Once the receiver tube is removed, the hitch is completely invisible. The # 306-X7186 will install completely behind the bumper, and the non-removable receiver tube will be located behind the vehicle's license plate. A hinged license plate holder is included so you'll be able to fold the plate downward to access the receiver tube.

You'll also need a ball mount, a trailer ball and a trailer wiring harness to tow your trailer. For a ball mount, use # C45521 and # 19261 for a 1-7/8 inch trailer ball. You'll need to see your dealer for a wiring harness.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

Ian A.

7/20/2020

Hello, I was trying to find a trailer hitch for 1-1/4 but I could only find ones in the 2’’ size. I was going to use this trailer hitch for a small boat that is 18ft long on my 2007 Toyota Highlander. Would you recommend I stay with the class 2 hitch or go up to the class 3 hitch with the 2 inch opening?

Reply

Chris R.

7/24/2020

For your Toyota Highlander only 2" hitch receivers are available - which is a good thing! A larger 2" hitch provides a higher capacity and more stability for your trailer connection. For your Highlander I specifically recommend the etrailer # e98857.

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Answer 1

For your 2017 Chevy Volt I really like the Curt trailer hitch #C11436 for 2 reasons. First, it costs less. And second, it is a great brand of hitches. When you carry bikes or use a cargo carrier, on the Curt hitch you would have to use stabilization…

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

I believe you are referring to the invert adapter where the hitch tube connects to the rest of the EcoHitch Stealth #306-X7180. That bolt is a 1/2” x 2-1/2” bolt. You are correct that this is a single point of failure. I went ahead and attached…

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Answer 4

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…

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Answer 5

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…

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Answer 6

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

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…

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Answer 9

Yes, I have listed for your below the roof rack systems from Rhino-Rack, Thule, and Yakima that will fit the RetraxPRO XR Hard Tonneau Covers like part #RTT-80243 for your 2019 Ram 1500. Rhino-Rack Vortex Crossbar System part #RRVA180B-RRRLT600…

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Answer 10

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 11

Aside from a slight change in the appearance of the crossbar (the WingBar Evo has some boxed edges as opposed to the completely smooth front of the AeroBlade) the biggest differences are the rubber strip on top of the crossbar and the weight…

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Answer 12

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures the…

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Differences Between Trailer Hitch Options for 2014 Chevy Volt

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