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Hitch Came Loose While Towing - Bent Frame

T

tbyrne

Full Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2002
Messages
1,869
I heard that an 8.1 Avalanche owner might have had this problem. This is what's going on with me -

I pull a 24' enclosed car hauler with my 2002 8.1 Suburban. One day I noticed the hitch was alot lower than I'm used to seeing so I took a look under there after I dropped the trailer. I found that some of the bolts that hold the hitch to the frame were backing off (1 was almost half way out). I tightened the bolts and found that the bumper was pointing at a different angle so I brought it by a dealer to take care of. They tried to get it lined up but couldn't so I forgot about it off for awhile. After talking to a few other dealers that didn't want to touch it I called GM's customer service number and they set me up with a dealer to look at it. The dealer said that the frame is bent but it's not covered under warranty so I should call my insurance company.

We discussed the issue for awhile and I explained to him that if the bolts didn't start to back out of the hitch while I was towing we wouldn't be having a conversation about the frame being bent. He said that I probably exceeded the truck's tongue weight which I really doubt. The trailer only weights about 9200 lbs loaded and I've pulled this with various 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks throughout the years with no problems.

After talking to the service mgr II spoke with a rep from GM. He also said that they aren't going to cover it because they have to go by what the dealer said. The dealer told GM that there is probably two ways that it was bent -

1 - the vehicle was hit
or
2 - the tongue weight was to high

I know #1 didn't happen and I really doubt the tongue weight was exceeded. This trailer really isn't that heavy so I'm going to goto the local scale on Monday and find out what the tongue weight is. The truck is rated for a max tongue weight of 1500 lbs and I doubt it's close to that.

Tom
 
tbyrne said:
1 - the vehicle was hit
or
2 - the tongue weight was to high

I know #1 didn't happen and I really doubt the tongue weight was exceeded. This trailer really isn't that heavy so I'm going to goto the local scale on Monday and find out what the tongue weight is. The truck is rated for a max tongue weight of 1500 lbs and I doubt it's close to that.

Tom
Click to expand...

Good luck. I would be interested in what you fine the tongue weight to be and what GM has to say. Keep us updated.

Bruno
 
Now if you want a bit of input, the first thing I would do is take it to an autobody shop that is capable of measuring the frame control points. There is a measurement called a "datum". This determines the proximity of certain premeasured points on the frame/unibody to an imaginary line. If they know their stuff, and have the right equipment, they can determine if the frame is indeed damaged. We are in the autobody and recreation vehicle business for 39years, and my educated guess is the frame is not bent from a loose hitch. Mail me at "tomsauto@tamaqua.net" if you need any help.
 
You'd think if the receiver itself came loose, that it would make one hell of a racket. Once with my Silverado, the ball nut backed off. It sounded like the truck was ripping in half going over bumps.
 
I would also be interested in hearing what the dealer has to sy.

Personally this toungue weight issue confuses me. I understand the concept of the weight distributing hitch, but it still must have some downward force on the hitch
 
were you using a weight distributing hitch or just a standard hitch. There is a difference in tongue weigh, with a maximum of 1500 lbs with weight distribution.
That would explain a bent frame if the weight was exceded, however, it doesn't explain why the nuts were backing off the bolts. That would tell me that they weren't properly installed.
How bad and at what location is the frame bent? (pictures?)
 
All I can tell you is that the standard Chevy/GM receiver "hitch" is not up to the task. I've seen a few Suburbans and pickups that have towed trailers with weight distribution hitches with bent (tweaked or rotated) bumpers! It's because the hitch isn't up to the job even if it's rated for the weight, it's a round tube (not as strong as square) and it's attached by that silly weaka$$ U-shaped bracket that just can't deal with the weight and forces inflicted on it by towing.

You've probably done this but check over the entire receiver "hitch" thoroughly and look for signs that the receiver rotated and caused the problems you have. The light weight materials Chevy used are not adequate and it's why I had that crap removed and replaced with a true 10,000 pound capacity all square tube receive by Eckhart.

Good luck!
 
How is square stronger than round?

It makes no structural engineering sense. The strength of a member is dictated by load path, restraints, shape, dimensions, wall thickness and material amoung a few variables....

 
ygmn said:
How is square stronger than round?

It makes no structural engineering sense. The strength of a member is dictated by load path, restraints, shape, dimensions, wall thickness and material amoung a few variables....
Click to expand...
I agree that the blanket statement (square is better than round) makes no structural engineering sense.
It would be interesting to see where the bending occurred on the frame in relation to mount location of the hitch.
 
Tom that really blows!

When you are getting it weigh, bring it back to the dealer that said your tongue was too heavy.

I doubt the tongue was too heave cause if it was you would been very unlevel.

That is a crock for them to say you were over.

How much towing are you doing by the way, (frequency, distance)
 
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