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Old 01-11-2011, 02:35 PM   #1
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Do I need a new receiver?

Happy New Year to all!
I was looking at the reciever hitch on the back of my TV and noticed that the hole where the pin is inserted is starting to oval. When I first started towing, I noticed a lot of slop when I installed the shank into the receiver. Every time I would start out from a complete stop, I noticed a loud clunk due to the slop in the hitch. I had a hole drilled and threaded into the end of the shank and used a 3/4" grade 8 bolt with a piece of flat steel in order to remove the freeplay. By tightening up this bolt it put forward pressure on the pin.2 questions: 1)Could using that bolt have caused the pin hole to oval? 2) Do I need to look at buying a new hitch reciever for my truck? I tow a 30' Classic with an '05 GMC 3/4t Crewcab diesel with the factory reciever installed on my TV. Any help would be appreciated.
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Old 01-11-2011, 02:47 PM   #2
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Get a Curt receiver....I had a similar thing happen on my '06 Chevy.....
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Old 01-11-2011, 03:21 PM   #3
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A picture of what you had done might help some.
I would consider having a good weld shop fabricate a couple of 2 1/2" square by 1/4" or even 3/8" thick plates With the proper sized hole drilled in the center for the pin. Place them on the outside of the receiver hitch tube over the existing oval shaped holes. Hold them in place with the proper sized bolt and have the plates welded to the receiver tube. You would then have a wall thickness on the receiver tube that is at least twice what it was originally. Instead of using a pin, I would use a grade 8 bolt and nut to hold the ball assembly in place. Just a thought.
I would also check to make sure the entire receiver hitch assembly is still bolted tightly to the frame of the TV. The way you describe the noise, there could be more than one problem.
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Old 01-11-2011, 06:40 PM   #4
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Thanks for the info. The only time I get the clunking noise is when I don't use the bolt and square stock. I did check all the mounting hardware and it appears to be tight. I also have been looking at upgrading to a class 5 hitch.
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Old 01-11-2011, 07:13 PM   #5
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A cheap fix. If the hole is worn out of round and is more oval. You can take it to a welder and have the inside of the hole filled and re-drilled to spec. The metal surrounding hole should be harder and stronger than the original.
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Old 01-11-2011, 07:38 PM   #6
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Read this thread

There is a thread about hitch failures on GMC vehicles. This may be useful information. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...les-34603.html
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Old 01-11-2011, 08:58 PM   #7
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I have two tow vehicles. One is an '04 Suburban 2500; the other is an '05 Suburban 2500. I have replaced the OEM receiver on both with aftermarket Class IV's. The OEM receivers developed cracks in the welds. The local Chevy dealer offered to replace the defective receivers. I declined as the GM receivers were junk.

I did not experience the elongated pin holes. I use a Hensley hitch which locks the hitch bar in the receiver when the weight distribution bars are tightened.

Here is a photo of the cracked weld on one of my receivers.

Brian
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Old 01-11-2011, 09:41 PM   #8
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I found that the welds were failing on the receiver on my 2004 3/4 ton Suburban.

I replaced the receiver with an aftermarket one. It's heavier and attaches more securely, and I'm pleased with the upgrade. It wasn't expensive, and I put it in myself.
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