madmrak351
madmrak351 HalfDork
10/5/24 8:59 p.m.

So I bought a 18 Silverado 1500 to replace my 313k mile 05 Silverado. The new to me truck had been a rental fleet truck so the options were a little different. When renting a truck most companies will not rent a 1/2ton truck for towing. Therefore those trucks do not have hitches. The truck I bought basically had trailer tow prep with no hitch. Full harness for the trailer plug and the heavier rated  suspension pkg. So while I still had the 05 truck here I measured the hitch mount points and frame width and found them to be the same. So I started to look for a used hitch. 

John Welsh
John Welsh Mod Squad
10/5/24 9:25 p.m.

eTrailer.com is very useful with videos for hitch install and etc.  

Pete. (l33t FS)
Pete. (l33t FS) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
10/5/24 9:28 p.m.

In reply to John Welsh :

I know someone who bought a receiver from etrailer to bolt to a rental truck to tow a trailer with, then removed the hitch before returning the truck.

 

This was a long time ago and I have deliberately forgotten who did it or where he rented from.

madmrak351
madmrak351 HalfDork
10/5/24 9:30 p.m.

My two sons (who often go junkyard in with me) told me I needed to buy a new hitch and stop being so cheap! After a few rounds of that I caved and started looking at new hitches on A---- and E---. I decided to go with A. As I get ready to click on order I see get this same product in used like new condition for about 1/3 less. Cheap me goes Ooh Yes!! The hitch arrived (a few days late thanks to Helene. I noticed no hardware then it also doesn't look right.... Because It Fits a FORD!! I rechecked to make sure I ordered the right thing, yes 2018 Silverado. A says the replacement won't be here till Wednesday.   Wednesday I leave for the annual guy trip to the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival. So I declined the replacement and ask for a refund. This morning I go to the closest u pull it to us and find a hitch on a 02 Sierra. The only thing is that the wheel welded on wheel/tire stand is under the hitch, so the guy in the giant fork lift just happens to be coming by at the opportune moment and I convinced him to help me reposition the stand. I removed and purchased the hitch for the princely sum of $20 plus that and environmental fee. Headed home to see what it would take to make it fit. It quickly became apparent that the hitch and the very bottom of the bumper center would want to occupy the same space. So time for a little trimming.

madmrak351
madmrak351 HalfDork
10/5/24 9:37 p.m.

The spot I cut out also had a slight bend in it so I wasn't to upset about the cutting. I verified a good fit and appropriate clearance, then wire wheeled the hitch to remove some rust and gave it a Krylon overhaul.

 

John Welsh
John Welsh Mod Squad
10/5/24 9:43 p.m.

Here on the rusty south shore of Lake Erie, we install hitches...but we never uninstall them.  At least not after they've been on there a few years.  

madmrak351
madmrak351 HalfDork
10/5/24 9:58 p.m.

So I can verify that a Curt hitch for a 99-06 Silverado will fit a 2014-18 Silverado if you are willing to trim the rear bumper for clearance. It also helps to be cheap and desperate.

madmrak351
madmrak351 HalfDork
10/5/24 10:01 p.m.

In reply to John Welsh :

Fortunately this one wasn't salt belt bad.

stuart in mn
stuart in mn MegaDork
10/6/24 7:07 a.m.

Unusual to see a fleet truck painted red.  I like the color.

93gsxturbo
93gsxturbo UberDork
10/6/24 8:50 a.m.

"Dude ruins $300 bumper to save $100."  

 

Woof.  

chandler
chandler MegaDork
10/6/24 12:52 p.m.

Never reuse a hitch in the rust belt lol

 

Pete. (l33t FS)
Pete. (l33t FS) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
10/6/24 1:02 p.m.
93gsxturbo said:

"Dude ruins $300 bumper to save $100."  

 

Woof.  

Using $1000 worth of tools, too.  smiley

madmrak351
madmrak351 HalfDork
10/6/24 2:30 p.m.

In reply to 93gsxturbo :

I guess we will have to agree to disagree on this point. I am a form follows function person, the bumper already had a bend in it at the bottom on center line and the ability to tow is needed by Wednesday. This is a 150k mile $15k truck, not a rare collectible.  A better (daylight) picture of the end result. 

03Panther
03Panther PowerDork
10/6/24 3:52 p.m.

In reply to madmrak351 :

You'll find, that very few responses, take time to read the little things like "the bumper is already bent there"

I have to admit, it does look much better in the good picture - and I thought it looked fine I the poor picture! Especially considering you wrote it was already damaged there. 

madmrak351
madmrak351 HalfDork
10/6/24 4:06 p.m.

Thanks! Understand that. Just figured l would explain my reasoning in case anyone else had not read the entire thread. I know some times I am the same way.

RacingComputers
RacingComputers GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
10/6/24 9:57 p.m.

TLDNR

 

Looks like a good plan

 

Enjoy

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