Recommended Hitch and Wiring for a 1994 GMC Suburban C1500

Question:

I wonder which hitch is best - the Curt class IV C14029 or the Curt class III C13029. Initially I just want to tow a Honda Civic x-country on a front-wheel dolly in a move but eventually Id like to consider a small camper e.g., 4000lb or so or a small boat/trailer. And would I need any additional equipment beyond the complete towing packageinch items listed? Also, will the 2inch hitch receiver sit just below the bumper - and how much clearance would that yield from the road?

asked by: Andrew C

Expert Reply:

The Curt Class IV Hitch # C14029 and the Curt Class III Hitch # C13029 will install exactly the same and will sit at 18 1/4 inches from the ground to the top of the hitch. With these being 2 inch receivers and having, roughly, a 1/4 inch lip going around the outside of the receiver opening, you would be looking at 16 inches of ground clearance with stock suspension and wheels.

Deciding between the Class III and Class IV hitches will depend on the weight capacity needed. The Class IV # C14029 is rated to tow up to 10,000 pounds with a 1,000 pound tongue weight. This jumps to 12,000 pounds and 1,200 pounds respectively when a weight distribution system is used. The Class III # C13029 is rated to tow 6,000 pounds with a 600 pound tongue weight. This will jump to 10,000 pounds and 1,000 pounds respectively when using a weight distribution system.

That being said, throughout the years, the Honda Civic typically never weighed much more than 3,000 pounds at its heaviest. A small boat and or trailer really wont get much heavier than that. So between the 2, I would go with the Class III # C13029 as the Class IV is a little overkill.

You will need a couple more components to get everything up and running, however. If there is not already an existing 4 Flat harness on the back of the vehicle, the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat # C55319 plugs right in and take about 30 to 45 seconds to install. This will get most trailers that are not equipped with brakes working properly. If the trailer does have brakes, you will need a couple more parts.

The etrailer.com Universal Brake Controller Wiring Kit # ETBC7 would piggy back off of the afore mentioned 4 Flat harness and run up to the battery and then to a brake controller like the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160. This controller is easy to use and easy to set up with its LED display. Being a proportional controller, it will brake the trailer with the same intensity as you brake in your vehicle.

The only other parts you will need are a ball mount like the Curt # C45030, a pin and clip to hold it in place like the Curt # C21500, and then a ball to attach the trailer to. The ball will depend on the size of the coupler on the trailer, but most in this weight rating will be a 2 inch size, like the Curt # C54CR.