Trailer Hitch for a Lifted 1997 Chevy C/K Series 1500 Truck

Question:

whats the difference between a cab and chassis and a roll pan hitch, i have a 3in body lift and looking at a poll pan to make up the 3in, looking to buy a trailer with grv of 7000# but wont pull more than 5000# with my 97 chevy 1500 5.7 extra cab 2wd

asked by: Randy

Expert Reply:

Cab and chassis models are what they use to make service vehicles like flat beds and utility trucks. They have frame rails that are more narrow. If your truck can with a bed on it then it is most likely not a cab and chassis.

Since the truck is lifted, adding a roll pan does not necessarily mean that you have to get the roll pan bumper hitch. I will depend on how the roll pan mounts and how far it comes down.

You will want to look at the instructions for the roll pan hitches, like # 13942, to determine if it will be needed for the roll pan you plan to add. I have linked the isntructions for you. If you find that you do not need the roll pan hitch, then you can use # C14081. I have linked the instructions for this hitch as well.

The roll pan hitch has a capacity of 5,000 pounds, 8,000 when used with weight distribution. If this is the hitch you have to go with, you will need to always be aware of the gross trailer weight and tongue weight. Also, a lift kit can often times reduce the towing capacity of the truck. You would want to check with the lift kit manufacturer or the installer if done professionally to determine if there is a capacity decrease.

For the lifted truck you will need a ball mount with a fair amount of drop. To determine the best ball mount to tow your trailer level, I have included a link to an FAQ article that will help and a link to the ball mount main page. If you need to add trailer wiring use # 118315. I have linked instructions for it as well.