Featured picture: https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=How To Mount A Trailer Hitch Receiver 2013 Chevy Silverado&w=250&h=250&c=7&rs=1&qlt=80&pid=1.7
**Learn how to Mount a Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2013 Chevy Silverado**
Mounting a trailer hitch receiver onto your 2013 Chevy Silverado is a must have for anybody who needs to tow a trailer, boat, or different massive merchandise. Whereas it might seem to be a frightening process, it is truly comparatively easy and will be accomplished in a number of hours with the appropriate instruments and supplies. That can assist you get began, this information will present step-by-step directions on find out how to mount a trailer hitch receiver in your 2013 Chevy Silverado.
**Supplies You may Want:**
Earlier than you start, you may want to assemble the next supplies:
- 1-1/4 inch or 2-inch trailer hitch receiver
- Security chains
- Trailer hitch ball mount
- Tow ball
- Wrench
- Torque wrench
- Socket set
- Drill
- Stage
- Measuring tape
**Step-by-Step Directions:**
-
Security First: Earlier than you begin working, disconnect the detrimental terminal in your Silverado’s battery. It will assist stop any electrical accidents.
-
Discover the Hitch Mounting Factors: Find the 4 mounting factors on the Silverado’s body. These will sometimes be positioned behind the bumper and could also be coated by a plastic cowl. Take away the covers if needed and guarantee all mounting factors are clear and freed from particles.
-
Set up the Hitch Receiver: Align the trailer hitch receiver with the mounting factors on the Silverado’s body. You could must raise the receiver barely to get it into place. Safe the receiver to the body utilizing the supplied bolts and washers. Tighten the bolts to the desired torque.
Collect the Obligatory Instruments and Supplies
Instruments Required:
- Ratchet or torque wrench
- Socket set (numerous sizes)
- Wrench set (numerous sizes)
- Pry bar or flat-head screwdriver
- Security glasses
Supplies Required:
- Hitch receiver
- Trailer hitch security chain hooks
- Locking hitch pin (optionally available)
- Anti-seize lubricant (optionally available)
Extra Suggestions:
- Assistant to assist maneuver the receiver
- Jack and jack stands (for security)
- Wheel chocks (for stability)
- Nitrile gloves (for cover)
Notice: It’s essential to rigorously evaluate your car’s proprietor’s guide and seek the advice of a professional mechanic for those who encounter any difficulties or have issues about performing the set up your self.
Find the Hitch Mounting Factors
Discovering the right hitch mounting factors in your 2013 Chevy Silverado is essential for a safe and profitable set up. To start, collect your instruments, together with a flashlight, socket wrench, and extension. Then, park your truck on a degree floor and have interaction the parking brake for security.
Subsequent, find the body rails beneath the rear of your Silverado. These rails are sometimes parallel to the axle and run lengthwise alongside the truck’s body. Use a flashlight to examine the body rails for pre-drilled holes or brackets that point out the hitch mounting factors. If you happen to do not see any apparent markings, seek the advice of your car’s proprietor’s guide or a good on-line useful resource.
After getting recognized the hitch mounting factors, clear the surfaces across the holes with a wire brush. It will take away any dust or particles that would intrude with the set up. Moreover, examine the body rails for any indicators of corrosion or injury. If you happen to discover any points, seek the advice of knowledgeable mechanic earlier than continuing with the hitch set up.
Desk of Hitch Mounting Factors:
| Mannequin | Body Rail Areas |
|---|---|
| Prolonged Cab (1500 and 2500) | 13.5 inches from the rear of the cab, 10 inches from the surface fringe of the body rail |
| Crew Cab (1500 and 2500) | 19 inches from the rear of the cab, 10 inches from the surface fringe of the body rail |
| Common Cab (3500) | 11.25 inches from the rear of the cab, 9.25 inches from the surface fringe of the body rail |
| Double Cab (3500) | 18.5 inches from the rear of the cab, 9.25 inches from the surface fringe of the body rail |
Put together the Hitch Receiver for Set up
Earlier than you possibly can start the set up course of, it is important to organize the hitch receiver. Listed here are the detailed steps to make sure correct preparation:
1. Learn the Set up Handbook Completely
Earlier than beginning any work, rigorously learn by means of the producer’s set up guide. It will offer you particular directions and security pointers tailor-made to your explicit hitch receiver mannequin.
2. Test the Hitch Receiver for Compatibility
Make sure that the hitch receiver you could have chosen is appropriate together with your Chevrolet Silverado. Take into account the car’s 12 months, mannequin, and trim degree to make sure an ideal match.
3. Collect Obligatory Instruments and Supplies
Put together all the mandatory instruments and supplies you’ll need for the set up. This sometimes features a socket wrench set, torque wrench, penetrating lubricant, thread locker, and security glasses. Some particular instruments and supplies could differ relying on the hitch receiver mannequin, so consult with the producer’s guide for a whole listing.
This is a desk summarizing the frequent instruments and supplies you could want:
| Instruments | Supplies |
|---|---|
| Socket wrench set | Penetrating lubricant |
| Torque wrench | Thread locker |
| Security glasses |
Insert the Hitch Receiver into the Mounting Factors
1. Carry the hitch receiver into place. Have an assistant enable you if potential, because the receiver will be heavy, particularly for bigger autos just like the Chevy Silverado.
2. Line up the mounting holes on the receiver with the corresponding holes on the body of your car. Use the bolts supplied with the hitch receiver equipment to safe the receiver to the body.
3. Tighten the bolts to the desired torque utilizing a torque wrench. Confer with the hitch receiver equipment directions for the really useful torque worth.
4. Double-check the tightness of all bolts and nuts. Use a torque wrench to make sure correct tightness. If any bolts or nuts are free, tighten them till they attain the desired torque.
5. Set up the security chains and hitch pin. The security chains ought to be crossed and hooked up to the tow car’s body.
Step |
Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Carry the receiver into place. |
| 2 | Line up bolt holes and safe receiver. |
| 3 | Tighten bolts to specified torque. |
| 4 | Double-check bolt and nut tightness with a torque wrench. |
| 5 | Set up security chains and hitch pin. |
Safe the Hitch Receiver with Bolts
As soon as the hitch receiver is aligned with the body rails, it is time to safe it with the supplied bolts. Usually, there can be 4-8 bolts included within the equipment.
Begin by threading the bolts by means of the holes within the hitch receiver and into the matching holes within the body rails. Hand-tighten the bolts as a lot as potential.
Subsequent, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the desired torque listed within the hitch receiver’s set up directions. It is a crucial step, because the bolts must be correctly tightened to make sure the hitch receiver is securely mounted.
As soon as all of the bolts are tightened, double-check to ensure the hitch receiver is correctly aligned and safe. If needed, make any minor changes to the bolts or the hitch receiver to make sure it is within the right place.
In some instances, the hitch receiver could require further assist or reinforcement, particularly if the car goes for use for heavy towing. If that is so, it is really useful so as to add further bolts or use a hitch stabilizer to make sure the hitch receiver stays securely mounted throughout use.
| Bolt Dimension | Torque |
|---|---|
| M12 | 100 ft-lbs |
| M14 | 120 ft-lbs |
Torque the Bolts to the Specified Tightness
As soon as the bolts are in place, they must be tightened to the desired torque. It will make sure that the hitch is securely hooked up to the body of the truck. The torque specification for the bolts can be discovered within the directions that got here with the hitch. If you happen to shouldn’t have the directions, you could find the torque specification on-line or in a restore guide on your truck.
To torque the bolts, you’ll need a torque wrench. A torque wrench is a specialised software that measures the quantity of torque that’s being utilized to a bolt. To make use of a torque wrench, merely set the wrench to the specified torque specification after which tighten the bolt till the wrench clicks.
As soon as the entire bolts are torqued to the desired tightness, the hitch can be securely hooked up to the body of the truck. Now you can set up the ball mount and hitch ball, and you may be able to tow.
Bolt Torque Specs
| Bolt Dimension | Torque (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|
| M12 | 80-100 |
| M14 | 120-150 |
| M16 | 160-200 |
Set up the Security Chains and Pinch Pin
As soon as the hitch receiver is securely mounted, it is essential to connect the security chains and pinch pin. These parts guarantee your trailer stays safely linked to your car within the occasion of an surprising separation.
Security Chains
Confer with the trailer guide for the precise directions on attaching the security chains. Usually, you may must cross the chains beneath the trailer tongue and safe them to the hooks on the hitch receiver. Make sure the chains are taut and with none slack.
Pinch Pin
The pinch pin is a small steel pin that matches by means of the holes within the hitch receiver and the trailer coupler. It prevents the trailer from unintentionally detaching from the car. To insert the pinch pin:
- Find the holes on the hitch receiver and trailer coupler that align.
- Maintain the pinch pin perpendicular to the holes.
- Align the holes and insert the pinch pin all through.
- Safe the pinch pin by inserting a cotter pin or R-clip by means of the holes on the tip of the pin.
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Security Chains | Connect to the trailer tongue and hitch receiver to forestall unintended trailer detachment. |
| Pinch Pin | Inserts by means of the hitch receiver and trailer coupler, stopping unintended separation. |
Take a look at the Hitch Receiver’s Stability
Step 8: Examine the Hitch Mount’s Attachment Factors
As soon as the hitch receiver is mounted, it is essential to totally examine all of the attachment factors to make sure they’re tight and safe. Use a torque wrench to test the tightness of all bolts and nuts. Confer with the producer’s directions for the really useful torque specs. If any bolts or nuts are free, tighten them to the correct torque.
| Part | Torque Setting |
| Body-to-Hitch Bolts | 85-100 ft-lbs |
| Hitch Pin | 200-250 ft-lbs |
| Stabilizer Bolts | 50-75 ft-lbs |
Examine the welds across the attachment factors for any cracks or gaps. If you happen to discover any indicators of harm, it is best to hunt skilled help to handle them earlier than utilizing the hitch receiver.
Keep and Lubricate the Hitch Receiver
Common upkeep and lubrication will lengthen the lifetime of your trailer hitch receiver and stop untimely put on and corrosion. Observe these steps to take care of your receiver correctly:
9. Lubricate the Receiver Repeatedly
To make sure easy operation and stop untimely put on, it’s essential to lubricate the hitch receiver frequently. Use a high-quality lubricant particularly designed for hitch receivers, similar to a silicone-based spray or grease. This is a step-by-step information to lubricate your receiver:
Lubrication Frequency:
The frequency of lubrication is determined by numerous elements, together with:
| Issue | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Regular Situations | Each 6-12 months |
| Heavy Use or Off-Roading | Each 3-6 months |
| Coastal or Winter Situations | Extra usually (each 1-3 months) |
Put together Your Instruments and Supplies
Collect the mandatory instruments, together with a socket wrench, torque wrench, wrench, degree, measuring tape, and security glasses. You may additionally want the trailer hitch receiver and new bolts.
Carry and Safe the Silverado
Park your Silverado on a degree floor, have interaction the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Use a jack or ramps to raise the rear of the car and safe it with jack stands.
Take away Outdated Tow Hooks
Find the 2 tow hooks on the Silverado’s body. Use the wrench to take away the bolts securing the tow hooks and set them apart.
Align and Mount Hitch Receiver
Place the trailer hitch receiver on the body the place the tow hooks have been. Alter it in order that the holes on the receiver align with the holes on the body.
Set up and Tighten Receiver Bolts
Insert the brand new bolts into the aligned holes. Use the socket wrench to hand-tighten the bolts as a lot as potential.
Torque Hitch Receiver Bolts
Use the torque wrench to tighten the receiver bolts to the desired torque in a star sample. This ensures even tightening and prevents injury.
Set up Hitch Pin and Clip
Insert the hitch pin by means of the receiver and safe it with the clip. It will stop the receiver from sliding out whereas towing.
Examine Hitch Meeting
Use the extent and measuring tape to confirm that the hitch receiver is aligned correctly and the balls on the receiver are on the right peak on your trailer.
Extra Concerns for Particular Silverado Fashions
2013 Chevrolet Silverado Double Cab 1500
For this mannequin, you could must take away the spare tire and provider earlier than mounting the hitch receiver.
2013 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab 2500HD
The rear bumper on this mannequin could must be eliminated to entry the body mounting factors for the hitch receiver.
2013 Chevrolet Silverado Prolonged Cab 3500HD
This mannequin sometimes requires a custom-fit hitch receiver as a consequence of its distinctive body design. Seek the advice of with knowledgeable installer or seek the advice of the car’s guide for particular directions.
How To Mount A Trailer Hitch Receiver 2013 Chevy Silverado
Mounting a trailer hitch receiver on a 2013 Chevy Silverado is a comparatively simple course of that may be accomplished in a number of hours with the appropriate instruments and supplies. This is a step-by-step information that can assist you get the job completed:
- Collect your instruments and supplies. You will want a trailer hitch receiver, a set of wrenches, a torque wrench, a drill, and a set of drill bits.
- Put together the car. Park the Silverado on a degree floor and have interaction the parking brake. Disconnect the detrimental battery terminal.
- Find the mounting factors. The mounting factors for the trailer hitch receiver are positioned on the body of the Silverado. They’re sometimes marked with small holes or dimples.
- Drill the mounting holes. Utilizing the drill and a set of drill bits, drill the mounting holes into the body of the Silverado. Make sure to use the right measurement drill bit for the bolts that can be used to mount the receiver.
- Set up the trailer hitch receiver. Place the trailer hitch receiver over the mounting holes and safe it with the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the desired torque utilizing a torque wrench.
- Reattach the detrimental battery terminal. Reconnect the detrimental battery terminal and begin the Silverado. Test to be sure that the trailer hitch receiver is securely mounted.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Mount A Trailer Hitch Receiver 2013 Chevy Silverado
What measurement trailer hitch receiver do I want for a 2013 Chevy Silverado?
The scale of the trailer hitch receiver you want is determined by the burden of the trailer you may be towing. For many purposes, a Class III or Class IV trailer hitch receiver can be ample.
The place can I discover the mounting factors for the trailer hitch receiver on a 2013 Chevy Silverado?
The mounting factors for the trailer hitch receiver are positioned on the body of the Silverado. They’re sometimes marked with small holes or dimples.
How do I tighten the bolts on the trailer hitch receiver to the right torque?
Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the desired torque. The torque specs for the bolts will be discovered within the trailer hitch receiver’s set up directions.
How do I do know if the trailer hitch receiver is securely mounted?
After putting in the trailer hitch receiver, test to be sure that it’s securely mounted by shaking it vigorously. If the receiver strikes, tighten the bolts additional.
