Trailer Coupler Recommendation for 16k Trailer

Published 10/01/2015

Question:

Hello, Im interested in a hitch that can be mounted in a 3inch channel on the front of my trailer. The trailer grosses at 16,000 pounds and occasionally has a vertical load of 2,700 lbs.Why are vertical load limits on couplers often not published? On this coupler, for example, what is the vertical load limit? Im not too concerned about this products integrity as it look well capable for the job. My concern is liability. Our industry is heavily regulated and every component needs to be engineered for the assigned task. If this hitch has no assigned vertical load limit, can you help me find one that does? Re-cap of what I need: 2 5/16s coupler that mounts to a trailer in a 3inch channel. It must have a 16,000 pound+ gross trailer weight rating along with a minimum of 2,700 pound vertical weight limit. does it exist? Thank you for your assistance!

asked by: Chris B

Expert Reply:

Trailer couplers are not rated for tongue weight capacity. They are rated for Gross trailer weight, as long as the gross trailer weight is within the capacity of the coupler, the coupler is installed properly and the trailer is designed properly, the coupler will handle the tongue weight of the trailer. Proper installation of the coupler is the key to it handling the weight it is rated for and the manufacturers directions should be followed explicitly.

For a 16k trailer the part # T4855300 would work just fine as it has a 21k gross trailer capacity.

expert reply by: Jameson C