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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class II
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Trailer Hitch Wiring - C56176 Review
- Shop: Nylon Tube Brush - 1/2"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Malone MicroSport Trailer for 2 Heavy Kayaks - 7' Bunks - 800 lbs
- Shop: Crossbars for Malone MicroSport Trailers - 78" Long - Galvanized - Heavy Duty
- Q&A: How to Run Trailer Wiring Harness Power Wire on a 2013 Chevy Malibu LT
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: The Low-Down on the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter Installation - 2023 Kia Telluride
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Video: Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
on Trailer Hitch
