Question for those who added a trailer hitch.

Did the Trailer hitch stiffen up the frame or make your truck handle better? In some racing classes a Hitch is considered a performace improvement as it stiffens up the frame and you get a small penalty if your car has one. I'm asking as I never tow but want to add some weight to the back of my truck. If a Hitch stiffens the frame, adds weight, and improves handling I'll get one. Thanks, up to 35 miles on my 2020 SR AC.

 

I couldn't tell a difference after installing mine. A rear sway bar would do much more but also cuts down on suspension articulation. On road handling would be better at the cost of off road being worse.

 

In theory yes, but in practical terms, not much.

But if you get rear ended you are more likely to have a bent frame.

So there's your evidence of 'stiffening'

 

It'll definitely add weight, but I can't imagine it would do anything more than that. Put on a rear sway bar if you want performance improvements. With the hitch you could add a step though, if you want to go that route.