Trailer Hitch Recommendation and Tongue Weight Explanation for 2016 Mazda 6 for Cargo Carrier

Updated 06/14/2017 | Published 06/13/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(141)

$198.30

17x46 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs

(1115)

$122.83

Question:

To be as specific as possible, I am looking to install one of your class I trailer hitches on my 2016 Mazda 6, and attaching a standard class 1 cargo carrier behind it. The hitches are rated at 200lbs TW, but with a couple feet extended behind it for the carrier, I feel that you would need to use much less weight than 200lbs of cargo including the carrier itself. Its been a while since I took the engineering class in college, but obviously, the further from the hitch you get, the less weight it is able to hold. Could you shed some light on how much weight could be safely added to a cargo carrier that is attached to a 200lb rated hitch?

asked by: Michael S

Expert Reply:

When the hitch manufacturers give a tongue weight rating they rate them based on the common applications of tongue weight by people with trailer hitches. While you are absolutely right that the further you get from the hitch opening the more leverage is put on the hitch, but the manufacturers account for that and give a number that's also safe in that situation. They do this to hopefully reduce confusion.

The most popular Class I hitch we offer is the Curt part # C18145 which I attached an install video for as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C