Does a Hitch With a Higher Capacity Than the Tow Vehicle Increase Towing Capacity

Updated 05/02/2020 | Published 04/30/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V Commercial Duty - 2-1/2"

(72)

$504.35

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way and 4-Pole Flat Connectors

(764)

$36.46

Question:

How does increasing hitch rating through the installation of an aftermarket hitch affect payload and or the trucks hitch rating. I can’t find anything regarding this on the internet. I am interested in the curt hitch, C15860. How does a hitch rated to 2,700 lbs affect my 2015 Silverado 2500 HD 6.0l with a stock hitch rating of 1,300 lbs. I want to tow a travel trailer toy hauler with a dry tongue weight of 1,150 lbs and want to do it safely. Thank you and good day.

asked by: Joel F

Expert Reply:

When it comes to towing components like hitches, you're always going to be limited to the capacity of your lowest rated components; so adding a higher rated hitch to your vehicle isn't going to increase your towing capacity or the payload.

From what I was able to determine with my research, the towing capacity of your 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD with a 6.0L engine is 13000-lbs and the payload capacity is going to be somewhere between 3000-lbs and 3500-lbs depending on your trim package. The Curt # C15860 is going to allow you to tow up to the 13000-lbs capacity of your truck, but not any more; however it's still a great choice because of the quality and durability of Curt hitches. The powder coat on these hitches, I've found, are a bit more durable over the long term and will hold up to the rigors of towing much better than others.

If you also need a wiring harness for towing, the Curt # C55774 is a great choice that will provide you with a 7 way trailer connector for the back of your truck. This 7 way plugs into the existing US Car Connector behind the rear bumper of your truck

I've linked an installation video of the hitch that you can use as a reference when installing it.

expert reply by: Erik B