Can Tongue Weight Capacity Be Added to Vehicle by Using Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs

Updated 01/02/2018 | Published 12/31/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs for Coil Spring Suspension - Rear Axle

(409)

$206.99

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

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$32.17

Curt Class III Ball Mount with 2" Ball - 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs

(3838)

$39.05

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

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$148.62

Question:

Hi, Im a disabled guy that needs my 2014 Equinox to carry a power chair lift and a Jazzy power chair. Ive purchased a etrailer hitch from etrailer and installed on this vehicle, but Im now finding that my Chevy Equinox is slightly underrated for this job when it come to the downward load capacity. Im certainly not worried about pulling a trailer with this vehicle and Im pretty sure I wouldnt need to gain much extra load capacity for the power chair lift to work. The power chair lift just fits into the trailer hitch to haul the power chair. Any ideas that might help me get my vehicle to carry this power chair. I find this sort of odd, I think if what Im hearing is true, I would be over the vehicles downward weight capacity if I put a heavier guy in my back seat? I had a 2005 Trail Blaze that used for this job for around thirteen years and it finally died. My wife had this Equinox and Im now trying to make it work since I cant afford another vehicle with a higher load capacity.

asked by: DEnzil

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your purchase of etrailer 2-Inch Class III hitch # e98865 which is the highest-rated hitch offered for your 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. Although this hitch has a tongue weight (downward force) rating of 350-lbs some combinations of power chairs and carriers could exceed the hitch rating, or exceed the vehicle's own tongue weight (TW) rating.

Vehicles like the Equinox that are primarily designed for passenger transport, rather than trailer towing, can have fairly low TW ratings. Your manual will indicate this specific weight capacity for your particular vehicle. I reviewed an online edition but it does not provide specifics.

There is no way to add tongue weight capacity to a vehicle by adding an aftermarket product. Even installation of suspension helper springs like # CSS-1145R will not change the vehicle's intrinsic weight capacity. This weight rating is determined by the auto maker based on the original factory equipment, including the vehicle's frame. If you cannot carry your chair/carrier combination on a hitch carrier then you will need to use a small trailer for the power chair.

Often outdoor/farm type stores will offer modestly priced utility trailers, sometimes with ramps too, that will reduce the TW load on the vehicle. These trailers often have lights that will require the car have a 4-pole wiring harness. In your car you can use # 56094 which offers simple plug-in installation. You will also need a ball mount/hitch ball like # C45036.