Is Drilling Required to Install Curt Trailer Hitch Part # C12272 on 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

Your 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic 4-door can be equipped with the Curt Trailer Hitch # C12272. This Hitch is perfect for light-duty towing, andit features a fully welded, gloss powder-coated steel construction. This is the only hitch available for your Malibu and it requires drilling for installation. I have provided a link to the installation instructions.

If you are not comfortable installing the hitch you could hire a local dealer or RV dealership to do the job for you. The difficulty level of this hitch is rated 4 out of 10. This means a novice should be able to install it in 40 minites. This would be no problem for an experienced mechanic.


The Curt Hitch # C12272 is a Class II hitch that offers a 3,500-lb maximum gross towing weight and a 350-lb maximum tongue weight. As long as your towing or cargo requirements do not exceed the limits of the Curt hitch (or your vehicle capacity) then it is a great choice. Note that this hitch does not include a hitch pin and clip, part # PC2.

If you will use your hitch for a bike carrier you can use any of the bike carriers that will fit the 1-1/4" receiver opening. You can use the filters at the left-hand side of the page to choose carrier styles, types and brands that work best for you.

If a cargo carrier is in your plans, you can use an item such as the Reese # 63155 and a compatible light kit # 20174 if your cargo blocks your vehicle lights. Do please note that even though these carriers are rated for 300-lbs capacity, you will need to check the tongue weight of your vehicle. To determine how much weight you can safely load into either of these you will need to subtract the weight of the carrier itself (44 pounds) from the either the 350-lb capacity of the hitch( or the vehicle capacity if it is lower.) And make sure you also stay under the 300 pound limit of the carrier as well.

If you will be towing you will also need a ball mount, hitch ball and trailer wiring harness. You can use ball mount # 3592 and either hitch ball # 19258 (2-inch size) or # 19256 (1-7/8-inch size). For a trailer wiring harness you can use Tow Ready part #119178KIT, which includes a circuit tester to simplify installation and troubleshooting. This harness provides a 4-pole flat trailer connector to send lighting signals from your Malibu to a trailer.

I have linked three article concerning towing that might be of use to you. One covers the classes of hitch receiver, one provides installation guidance and one covers the components required for towing.

expert reply by: Adam R

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