OEM vs aftermarket hitch

I was rear ended a couple weeks, the hitch took the brunt of it. Even though its probably fine, the appraiser write up to replace.

Getting to the nuts and bolts, its always a game with OEM vs aftermarket parts. I would much rather an OEM hitch be put on, but ins companies say otherwise. Does anyone know what class the OEM hitch is, and what kind of fitment issues there may be with aftermarket? ie (mount for 7 pin, connecting to bumper, etc.)

 

Did the appraiser look at the frame? Usually when these trucks with a hitch are rear ended there is frame damage. That is what I would be concerned with. I believe the towing package hitch is a class III with tongue weight limit of 650 lbs. Any hitch from a reputable manufacturer like Curt or Drawtite should be fine, as they come with high grade bolts.

 

Personally since its insurance i would want oem since thats what you had before the wreck.

 

Yeah, since you are the victim here you should have your truck fixed to pre-accident condition. I wouldn’t accept anything less.

 

Insurance aside as thats just how those jerks work, im just wondering about hitches. The oem is good to at least 7,000, most aftermarket are in the 5000 range.
Can anyone comment on fitment of aftermarket, does anyone with a curt, hidden hitch, etc have the ability to mount a 7 pin adapter like the oem?

 

Yeah OEM is a class IV hitch, and I don’t believe any aftermarket options go beyond a class III (at least that was the rating of the Hidden Hitch I had). Mine didn’t have the mounting provision for the 7-pin either, so another consideration unless they affix an aftermarket mount, but those are never as nice. As far as fitment goes, they should all use similar mounting holes in the frame, albeit with slightly different designs.

 

thanks, exactly the type of info im looking for

 

To keep the 6500 lb tow rating you need the class IV rather than class III. I believe my class III hidden hitch is only rated for 5000 lbs and 500 lb tongue weight.