Why Does a Trailer Hitch have 2 Gross Trailer Weight and 2 Tongue Weight Capacities
Updated 07/17/2018 | Published 07/15/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Can this hitch bar haul 5,000 lb or 8,000 lb? I dont know what the WD means. Thanks!
asked by: John T
Helpful Expert Reply:
The WD stands for weight distribution. A weight distribution system includes spring bars and other components and when properly installed and set up properly it more evenly distributes tongue weight to all the axles of a tow vehicle and trailer. You may have also heard the term equalizer hitch which has come to mean weight distribution in general but comes from the Equal-I-zer brand of weight distribution systems such as # EQ37100ET.
So basically if you are not using a weight distribution system Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75065 is rated for 500 pounds tongue weight and 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight. These capacities are sometimes referred to as weight carrying capacities so as to separate them from weight distribution capacities.
The same hitch when used with weight distribution is rated for 800 pounds tongue weight and 8,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
If a hitch rating, whether it is the weight carrying or weight distribution rating, exceeds the capacity of the vehicle you still have to go by the vehicle capacity. In other words always go by the lowest rated component in a system. I have included a link to our help article all about weight distribution.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 800 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Search Results: electric winch
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Longview Custom Towing Mirrors - Slip On - Driver and Passenger Side
- Q&A: Does the Weight of a Weight Distribution Hitch Get Added To Tongue Weight On a 2019 Ford Ranger
- Q&A: Recommended Torque Values for Lug Nut on 1/2-Inch Wheel Stud with Steel Wheel
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 7.5K GTW, 750 lbs TW
- Q&A: Is Weight Distribution Tongue Weight Measured With or Without Weight Distribution Hitch Installed
- Q&A: Does Adding a Weight Distribution System Increase a Hitch's Gross Tongue Weight Capacity
- Q&A: How does the Weight Distribution Affect Weight Put on the Ball and Receiver
- Q&A: Weight Distribution Recommendation for 6,000 lb Camper Trailer
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 5.5K GTW, 550 lbs TW
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Breaking Down the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch
- Q&A: Correct Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System for a 2023 Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 7.5K GTW, 750 lbs TW
- Search Results: tongue weight scale
- Shop: Replacement 1,000-lb Spring Bars for Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution System - Qty 2
- Shop: Replacement Spring Bars for Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System - 750 lbs TW
- Shop: Replacement Spring Bars for Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System - 1,000 lbs TW
- Video: Towing Mirror Options - Custom Fit VS Universal Fit
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
on Trailer Hitch
