I am writing concerning receiver hitch failure on my 2006 Chevy 2500 duramax diesel. I have been concerned about this hitches integrity since I purchased the vehicle due to the design. My worries have come to fruition with a near total failure of the oem hitch. I inspect this hitch before every tow and luckily noticed it bending. I have a friend who owns an identical truck who has experienced the same failure. Speaking for myself, I have never exceeded the tow rating on this hitch and have never been involved in a situation that caused undue stress. After researching on the internet, there have been numerous failures of this hitch design. GM relies on two bolts running through the bumper for horizontal strength on this hitch. The problem is that the bumper brackets are not designed for horizontal strength and slip approx a half inch. This begins the failure of the hitch as the 2" round tube turns in the receiver brackets due to them being welded on only on side.

- Benton, KY, USA

Multiple failures of Chevrolet oem hitch receivers, I am employed as an aviation safety inspector for the houston Texas flight standards district office. My hitch is in the process of failing after towing a pop-up trailer less than 100 miles, it was used well within the limits of the hitch and my 2006 Silverado has approx. 600 miles on it. This failure is applicable to 1998-2006 Chevrolet SUV's and trucks. Please go to this link www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm and then search hitch failure. You will find over 200 posts about these failures. This defect has reportedly caused multiple fatalities and injuries when being used properly and GM will not acknowledge the deficiency. Please contact me by phone, I will send a picture of mine with the cracked weld. This problem can be rectified with a recall on these hitch receivers.

- Dickinson, TX, USA