Weight Capacity of Trailer Hitch Pins

Updated 10/30/2020 | Published 05/30/2017

Question:

hello we are trying to find out what towing pins can pull certain weights but we cant find and information on limits, capabilities etc... basically we use several tractors on site which tow several different sizes of trailer. For HandS reasons we need to know what load the pins are capable of towing. is there a database where we could find this info? Thanks

asked by: Tim R

Expert Reply:

Trailer Hitch Pins like the Curt # C21500 do not have specific weight ratings and there is not a database available that will have this type of information.

Generally speaking, a 5/8 inch diameter pin, which is designed for Class III, IV and V trailer hitches, will have a rating that exceeds what a Class V hitch will be able to handle.

A 1/2 inch diameter pin for Class I and II trailer hitches will typically have a capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.

expert reply by: Chris R

Dave C.

5/4/2020

I have a Momentum 399TH. It has a GVRW of about 20000 lbs. It came with a Rota Flex Pin Hitch rated for 18000 lbs. This seems like a problem to me but am I missing something? I thing the rig is about 15200 dry

Chris R.

5/6/2020

That seems really odd. The pin box rating shouldn't be less than the trailer's GVWR, so it might be worth verifying this with the trailer dealer. If it's truly rated at 18K, I would certainly do your best to keep the loaded weight of the trailer under this. If you can tell me what specific model Rota Flex is used, I would be happy to recommend a higher-rated replacement too.

James G.

10/30/2020

@DaveC all that said the hitch that came with my 2017 f250 super duty diesel has 21000 stampted on the hitch pin. The owners manual cautions you note to use any pin not marked. 4 million miles in a tractor trailer makes me believe wt. ratings