Hey everyone! I just picked up a new GMC Canyon AT4 and I’m looking to get it properly set up for towing. I’m planning on hauling a 4,500 lb travel trailer this summer, but I’m a bit worried about how different hitches might affect my ground clearance when I’m hitting the trails. Since the AT4 has that extra lift, I’m trying to figure out if a standard drop hitch is the way to go or if I should invest in something more versatile like a B&W Stow & Go. I want something durable that won't rattle too much during off-road sections. What hitches are you guys using on your AT4s to balance solid towing performance with off-road utility?
> Weigh Safe WS4-2... basically solved my tongue weight monitoring issues
Totally agree with the above! The Weigh Safe is amazing but highkey expensive lol. I'm kinda new to towing with my AT4 and honestly found the Curt 45900 Adjustable Channel Mount with 2-Inch and 2-5/16-Inch Balls is a total steal!! It's heavy-duty steel so it's super durable for trails and much cheaper than aluminum. Basically, I learned u dont need to spend 300 bucks to get a solid height adjustment... gl!
Respectfully, I'd consider another option cuz those aluminum setups honestly let me down when things got rough. Market analysis usually favors the flashy designs, but technically, they've got way too much slop in the channel for my liking. I've had issues with that 'death rattle' off-road and it's highkey annoying...
Quick tip: Skip the light-duty stuff and grab the GEN-Y GH-324 Executive Torsion Flex 10K Drop Hitch. It's a total tank compared to the ones mentioned earlier. The solid steel and torsion tech basically absorb all that trail feedback so u dont feel the trailer yanking ur AT4 around. It’s way more durable for actual utility work and won't flex under lateral load. Seriously, it's a game changer for towing performance. gl!
yo, congrats on the new truck!! honestly the AT4 is such a sick platform for a build... i've been towing with GMCs for over a decade and getting the hitch height right on a lifted truck can be a total pain if you dont have the right gear. For your situation, I would suggest going with the B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow Adjustable Ball Mount 2-Inch Receiver 5-Inch Drop Dual Ball.
I've used basically every hitch under the sun and honestly nothing beats the Tow & Stow for off-roaders. Here is why i think it's the best move:
1. Ground clearance is EVERYTHING. When ur not towing, you literally just flip the balls around and stow them under the receiver. This means you wont be smashing ur hitch into every rock or ledge when ur hitting the trails, right?
2. Adjustability is key cuz different trailers sit at different heights. That 4,500 lb travel trailer needs to sit level for a smooth ride, and this lets you dial it in perfectly.
3. It's STURDY as heck. No annoying clanking sounds while ur driving down washboard roads.
Seriously, dont waste ur money on a cheap fixed drop hitch. Itll just get hung up on everything and look ugly lol. The B&W is highkey worth the investment cuz it lasts forever. Also, if ur still worried about noise, pick up a Rhino USA Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Clamp just to lock it down tight. enjoy the summer adventures!! peace
Just sharing my experience: After years of towing, the Weigh Safe WS4-2 Adjustable Aluminum Trailer Hitch with 2-Inch Receiver basically solved my tongue weight monitoring issues on the AT4, so yeah!
Reading through these and honestly, i went the budget route because i spent all my cash on the truck itself lol. I've had my AT4 for a while now and found a setup that works well without the crazy price tags.
Works great for me
Just sharing my experience: I went through this last year when I first started taking my Canyon out. I started with a cheap hitch I found at a local shop, but honestly, the rattle during off-road transitions was scary. I kept thinking the trailer was gonna bounce right off or snap something cuz of the constant vibration on washboard roads... it was highkey stressing me out.
Safety was my main worry, so I did a deep dive into how these things handle stress. I learned that constant rattling isn't just annoying—it actually causes metal fatigue over time. Not great when you're hauling 4,500 lbs. I eventually switched to the BulletProof Hitches 2.0-Inch Receiver Medium Duty 6-Inch Drop. It's solid steel (not hollow) so it feels way more secure than the aluminum ones. I also added a BulletProof Hitches Heavy Duty Anti-Rattle Clamp which basically fixed the noise. Plus, you can flip the hitch around to keep your ground clearance when you're crawling. Spending more on a solid setup really saved my peace of mind. gl!