Weight Ratings For Hitches With and Without a Weight Distribution Hitch.

Updated 08/19/2024 | Published 01/24/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(843)

$174.23

Question:

Tongue wt. and wt. distribution hitch. I believe I read a response from e-trailer indicating that there is a second weight rating on a hitch if a distribution hitch is used. Example: vehicles max tongue at. 500 lbs . Trailer Tongue wt. w/no wt. distribution hitch 600lbs. Could this tongue wt. work with a properly installed wt. distribution hitch? If the wt. dist. Hitch is moving load to trailer axel and front tow veh. Axel, it seems to make sense that this true?

asked by: Richard S

Expert Reply:

Yes, all hitches have a tongue weight and towing capacity weight rating for standard towing. However, some hitches additionally have adjusted tongue weight and towing capacity weight ratings when used in conjunction with a weight distribution hitch set up.

For instance, The Curt # C13182 Class-3 hitch has a standard 600 pound tongue weight capacity and a 6000 pound towing capacity. BUT, when used with a weight distribution hitch the tongue weight capacity is 750 pounds and the towing capacity is 7500 pounds.

However, it is important to check that your towing vehicle, and trailer, allow the use of a weight distribution hitch. Some unibody vehicles and smaller vehicles are not designed for the additional stresses associated with the use of a weight distribution hitch.

I have included a link to this particular hitch so that you may review the data associated with that hitch. I have also linked an article about weight distribution hitches.

If you have questions about a WD hitch for a particular vehicle just email me back the year/make/model of the vehicle you would like a hitch for. Also, the maximum weight of the trailer you would tow.

expert reply by: Les D

Scott

8/18/2024

I have a 2018 Highlsnder xle. My tt is 3000 with 350 tounge weight. It crushes the rear suspension so I get a 1.5 inch rise in the front. I was told since its a unibody I shouldnt use a weight dist hitch. Is this true. If not, considering the smaller tt. What should i look for in a wd hitch?

Bryce D.

8/19/2024

@Scott Hey Scott, unfortunately that is true. Unibody vehicles are not as strong or rigid and cannot handle the same loads and stresses of a body-on-frame vehicle.