Plenty of haters of the factory hitches on here. For what I do I kind of like it. It doesn't hang down and looks good. I don't tow very heavy (2500lb. boat, mostly), but I do use an 28" extension when I load in my truck camper, so this has some leverage. Mine is the NBS. Is there any differences/improvements over the OBS hitch? It seems most of the guys who hate the hitch have the old body style one. Lastly, anyone know of a heavy duty hitch (Class V) for NBS trucks that you can't see the crossbar?

No help on this one, fellas?

Factory equipment, 2 words. "Lowest Bidder".

Factory equipment, 2 words. "Lowest Bidder".
Ahhh...the "Haters" are waking up! :D

I would agree.
You might try looking at Recee's and Curt's websites to see what they have. Or go to a shop that puts on hitches. They should have a few catologs of what they can get for you.

not a hater, one is on my wifes truck.
It is still made by the lowest bidder, much like the tires, and weather stripping.

Factory equipment, 2 words. "Lowest Bidder".

And exactly what part on these trucks was made by the "highest bidder"?

But is there a difference between the OBS and the NBS hitches? Same construction? Different? Better or worse? I don't have anyone here to compare with.

Also I've never seen a Heavy Duty hitch (say Class V +) that doesn't hang down other than the factory hitch. Have you guys?

I had never thought about the "looks" of a hitch. IMO its there to work.
The weak OEM design may help explain the low (7.5k, non WD) tow weights relative to other aftermarket hitches (14k)

Another benifit of a real hitch, when someone rearends you they know it.

I want it all, a good looking hitch that can work like a bruiser. Like my truck.

And exactly what part on these trucks was made by the "highest bidder"?

The labor.....Union