Trailer Hitch Class and Capacity for 2015 Chevrolet Equinox for Use with Hitch-Mount Accessories

Published 09/24/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(119)

$209.25

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(880)

$165.21

Question:

I have just purchased a Equinox 1LT, with a 2.4L engine. I wish to put a hitch on it. My previous vehicle had a 2inch class 3 hitch, therefore the equipment I already own are all 2. If factory installed, and the tow rating of the vehicle indicate that a 1.25inch is all that is rated for capacity. My question is: Is it bad to put a class 3 on this vehicle, and do you know if it hurts any warranties for a new vehicle, as long as I do not go over what is rated for it. Thank you.

asked by: Connie V

Expert Reply:

We offer both 1-1/4-inch Class II and 2-inch Class III hitches for your 2015 Chevrolet Equinox and all can be seen on the link provided for you. Many of these share the same tongue weight (TW, which is downward force on the hitch) and gross trailer weight (GTW) ratings, such as Curt's 2-inch Class III hitch # 13591 and their 1-1/4-inch Class II # C12291. Both of these hitches have 350-lb TW and 3500-lb GTW ratings despite their differing class ratings.

All of the hitches we offer include the required installation hardware. For reference I have linked you to the written instructions and an install video for hitch # 13591 as well as to a helpful article on hitch installations.

No matter which hitch size you use you'll want to check your owner's manual for the car's maximum TW rating, which could be different from the hitches' ratings. I checked the specs for the car and found its maximum rated towing capacity to be 1500-lbs. Car TW capacity is usually 10-percent of towing capacity so the car may be limited to a 150-lbs TW. If this is the case then the weight of your hitch-mount accessory load, say the combined weight of a bike rack and your loaded bikes, cannot exceed this even if the hitch is rated for more weight. When a hitch and vehicle having different capacities the lower-rated item determines the overall limit.

Installing a hitch on your 2015 Equinox will not have any warranty implications if the hitch is installed as outlined in the instructions and used within the weight bearing capabilities of the vehicle.

Consumers of aftermarket products are protected by the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act. The Act states that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle actually caused the problem in question.