Why Does Trailer Hitch Have Higher Towing Capacities than Vehicle Towing Capacity

Published 08/28/2018

Question:

Looking to pull a small boat rated for class II 350 / 3000 lb load on 2015 malibu and read car is only rated for 1000 lb trailer load, why would mfg suggest and sell class 2 hitch when car mfg doesnt recommed ? Do you think short distance and pulling boat out of launch would damage hitch/car eventhough rated ok.

asked by: Nick S

Expert Reply:

Trailer hitches are first designed for a vehicle and then tested for a weight capacity independent of the vehicle they are designed for. This is why you'll see hitches for lighter duty vehicles with higher capacities than the vehicle. I admit it is a bit confusing but what it gives you is a hitch like the Curt part # C12115 that has more weight capacity than needed for the vehicle it is designed for like the 2015 Chevy Malibu.

With a towing capacity you always have to go with the lowest rated component as the overall towing capacity.

expert reply by: Jameson C