Why Does Trailer Hitch for 2016 Acura RDX Have Higher Towing Capacity than Vehicle

Question:

Does your hitch increase the maximum towing weight of a vehicle? My vehicle 2016 Acura RDX has a max towing weight of 1500 lbs. That is due, at least in part, to the fact that it only comes with a 1inch x 1inch hitch from the manufacturer. If I were to install a 2inch x 2inch aftermarket hitch with a heavier max weight capacity e.g., 5000 lbs, would I be able to safely tow a boat with trailer that weighs just under 2000 lbs? Please let me know.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

With any towing setup your overall towing capacity is only as strong as your weakest component. So if you were to install a hitch on your 2016 Acura RDX that has a higher towing capacity than the vehicle like with the Draw Tite # 75784 you would be still limited by the vehicle since a towing setup is only as strong as it's weakest component.

They design hitches for vehicles and then try to make them as strong as possible and rate them independently of the vehicle which is why they capacity for the hitches are sometimes higher than the vehicle. There isn't a way to increase the towing capacity of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Jameson C