2004 Chevrolet Silverado, towed a trailer. The trailer became disconnected and traveled off the left side of the roadway. The trailer struck the concrete wall and flipped over. Bf the pin which held the hitch into the receiver fell out and was located. There were no chains on the trailer. (Ohio traffic report # 10-0698-90)

- Holt, MI, USA

After reading on several web forums about GM hitch receiver problems, I checked mine and was shocked that all but one weld on my receiver showed signs of rusting. Two were to the point where cracked welds were obvious. The dealer offered to replace it but I did not want a GM hitch so I used another receiver at my expense. I had towed a 7700 pound trailer about 20,000 miles max. Hitch has been disposed of. I have some photos (not very good). It is a 2004 chev, 2500hd, diesel.

- Bellingham, WA, USA

I own a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500hd. On 11 Feb 2005 I noticed some rust on my trailer hitch. I inspected it and found that there is rust around the welds, and that one of the welds is completely cracked. I went to the dealer and was told that the only fix is to re-weld it. I told them that I did not want it welded, I wanted it replaced. This is a warranty item. I feel that if the original robotic welds were not holding, then why weaken the metal more by heating it up again and re-welding it. I expressed my concern that if the hitch was re-welded, and it failed while I was towing and caused a serious accident who would take responsibility. No answer on that question. I have researched on the internet and found that there are several people that have had this problem, and just replaced it with an after market hitch. I have also seen the pictures of a serious accident caused by a GM hitch failure. As of right now, I do not have a solution to this problem other than the dealership will not replace this GM installed, under warranty hitch. The dealership wants to re-weld it. I think this can be a serious safety issue due to the fact that most people do not take the time to inspect there trailer hitches, and just hook up and take there family out for a weekend trip pulling there travel trailers. I will continue to try and work with GM and the dealership to get this problem solved.

- Wichita Falls , TX, USA