What Does 200 Pound Tongue Weight Capacity Mean on the Trailer Hitch for a 2008 Mazda RX-8
Updated 10/11/2011 | Published 10/09/2011
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Question:
capacity is 2000 lbs, what is the 200 pound tongue mean? How does the hitch mount do you have picture, can I do it my self? Do I have to drill holes?
asked by: Don
Expert Reply:
Tongue weight capacity is the hitch's capacity to handle the weight placed on a properly sized, rated and installed drawbar, when a trailer is attached. It also refers to the weight of items carried in the hitch receiver tube like a bike rack and bikes or a cargo carrier and the items placed on it, and the items loaded in the vehicle behind the rear axle.
The CURT Trailer Hitch, # 11472, mounts to the bottom of the trunk pan and to the bottom of the frame rails using hardware that is included with the hitch. Some drilling is required and you will need a drill and drill bits, along with a torque wrench and some common wrenches to complete the installation yourself. I have attached a link to installation instructions for you to review. I have provided a link to an article on trailer hitch installation tips that you may find helpful also.
If you will carry bikes or a cargo carrier, CURT requires the use of a hitch support strap, # 18050, to help reduce some of the torque that is applied to the trailer hitch.
If you will tow with this hitch you will need a properly sized hitch ball, # 19256 for 1-7/8 inch trailer couplers or # 19258 for 2 inch trailer couplers. You will also need wiring for trailer lighting. The circuit protected tail light converter kit, # C59236, is the correct wiring for your 2008 Mazda RX-8.
