The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Class 2 Hitch

Has any anybody installed a class 2 hitch on there 55/59 second series. I need to find one for my 55 GMC 1/2 ton and havent had any luck. Is the frame the same as the early 60 models that might be eaiser to find. Thanks for your help
Fred

My '56 Chevy 1/2-ton has a Reese receiver hitch, part # 06082. The holes had to be elongated a touch to mount it.

Yes, the frame is 34 inches... should be the same from roughly 1955-1998. Look on your local craigslist, and if possible dry fit the hitch by holding it in place before buying it.

There are a few other considerations for hitches. Some might have more or less drop than others.

I got the hitch for my 59 off craigslist. I believed it is a drawtite hitch, but the number isn't legible. When I got it, it fit perfectly under the barden bumper. My 59 is a longbed, and the hitch would often bottom out on steep driveways, so I recently removed and modified the hitch to go through the bumper.

This is a DrawTite #75034

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/Avette4me/My%2058/Brakes/Backuplights.jpg

Some, but not too much modification required and the spare fits.

Thanks for the info guys. This gives me a place to start, I dont know what i would do without this site.
Fred

Avette4me,

Did you have to modify your bumper to install the hitch? It's hard to tell from the picture.

What type of modifications did you have to do?

Thanks,
Steve

I installed a Curt 13028 Class III I got for 45 bucks on Ebay. Was new. The fellow just never installed it. Here is my video of the install if you want to see it.

Here is the 2 inch ball installed. It is 19 inches off the ground. Works out great.

http://talk.classicparts.com/picture.php?albumid=180&pictureid=1717

A small photo. Not sure why. Was bigger

No modification to the bumper was required.

I had to tweek the spare holder and cut an extra hole in the hitch. No big deal at all.

Thank you both for the info.
Steve

Why are you wanting a class II hitch? It severely restricts what you can haul. A class III would be much more capable for general hauling.

Hi Tiny,
Good question. I was actually thinking about a Class III. It seems that the Drawtite 75034 is available as a Class III or a Class IV hitch.
Steve

I think you'll be happier with a class III.

I agree. There around the same price if only a little more and you can tow so much more.

I built my own. The only part that was not fabricated was the receiver, for $12 it was cheaper to buy the Reese one already made up. But the rest was custom fabricated, patterned from the Class 3 hitch from my Dad's '88 K2500. We did make a few changes, the side plates are heavier, and the drawbar is 4" instead of 3".