How To Find Out How Much Can Be Loaded On a 4x8 Utility Trailer

Updated 04/02/2019 | Published 04/01/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(204)

$212.26

Curt Multi-Ball Adjustable Ball Mount for 2" Trailer Hitches

(186)

$158.90

Question:

I have a 4x8’ trailer with 8” 5 lug C range tires can I tow my 720 lb Harley with 2000lb axle rating on the interstate

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

The only way to determine how much you can load on a trailer is to look for the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is usually on a plaque near the tongue. This figure will represent the most the trailer can weigh while fully loaded. Therefore, the weight of the trailer plus the weight of your motorcycle cannot exceed that of the trailer's GVWR. The 8" load range C tires that you have are likely rated between a 745 lbs to 935 lbs (per tire). These tires accompanied with the 2,000 axle axle points to signs of having a GVWR that exceeds that of the trailer and motorcycle but as you will be limited by your weakest component, I would need to know what the GVWR is in order to give you a yes or no answer.

If your 2018 Chevrolet Colorado is not already setup to tow then you will need a trailer hitch like the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13203, a wiring harness like the Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Connector part # HM11141164, and a ball mount/hitch ball like the Curt Multi-Ball Adjustable Ball Mount part # D900 in order to do so.

Please also note that the 8" wheels/tires that you have on the trailer now are likely only rated to 65 mph so you might consider upgrading to something like the Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire part # TA98RR which will give you an 81 mph speed rating.

expert reply by: Conner L