Recommended Hitch for 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500

Question:

I have a 2015 Chevy Silverado Extra Cab 4X4. 5.3 Cu.In with Automatic Transmission. The hitch has a sticker market 500 lb Max. All the information I am reading says use 15-20 of the total trailer weight. I am not sure if they make a camper that I can tow. Can you help me understand that 500lb sticker and how I figure my tongue weight? Thank you.

asked by: Floyd L

Expert Reply:

I think for the most part the 2015 Silverado 1500 had at least a 12,000-lbs towing capacity, so if your hitch is underrated then you could likely just swap out for a hitch like the etrailer Class IV Hitch with 2" Receiver # e98860, which has a 10,000-lbs capacity. You will want to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the most accurate towing capacity and tongue weight capacity for your truck, but if your hitch isn't maximizing the capacities that you can carry/tow then upgrading the hitch to allow you full capacity of the truck is the best solution.

In regards to the trailer tongue weight, you typically want your trailer tongue weight to be between 10-15% of the GVWR. Anything more than 15% could create an unsafe towing situation where the trailer and truck sway.

At the end of the day the Silverado 1500 should be sufficient to tow most small to medium sized trailers, but you may need a little bit more than the hitch that you've currently got.

expert reply by: Erik B