Hitch Trailer Tongue Weight Rating Not Enough For Trailer I am Towing

Published 08/16/2019

Question:

Re: 08 Explorer sport trac, V8 with class III or IV hitch and a 500 lb max tongue weight. We are looking at a trailer with a 635lb tongue weight, yet is within the max towing specs. Were talking 135 lbs more on the hitch. Are there any options to safely handle that added tongue weight? Trailer tongue weight exceeds spec of 500 lbs by 135lbs!! Thanks

asked by: Jim S

Helpful Expert Reply:

It is possible that the hitch on your vehicle can handle more tongue weight with the use of weight distribution system. However, I am not sure which hitch you have so I cannot say if it is rated for weight distribution. The hitches that we have available for the 2008 Ford Explorer part # 13112 and part # 75437 are rated for 800 lbs with the use of a weight distribution system. However these two hitches do not fit a Sport Trac.

If you let me know which hitch you have I could possibly find out if it is rated for weight distribution.

expert reply by: Heather A