Why Is The Draw-Tite Hitch DT98KV For A 2025 GMC Terrain Or 2025 Chevy Equinox Rated So Low?

Updated 11/03/2025 | Published 07/12/2025

Question:

Is the tongue weight limit of 150 lbs related to the vehicle 2025 GMC Terrain or 2025 Chevy Equinox? Or is it related to the hitch capability? I see many class 3 hitches with very similar design rated much higher for other applications. Thank You.

asked by: Robert

Expert Reply:

I'm not gonna lie to you Robert, I thought we entered that info wrong on our website. I double checked the instructions and Draw-Tite's website and they also say 1,500 pounds towing and 150 pounds tongue weight. I then did a bit more digging and the 2025 GMC Terrain and 2025 Chevy Equinox both have a 1,500 pound towing capacity for the all wheel drive models and an 800 pound towing capacity for the front wheel drive models. Tongue weight capacities are 150 pounds and 80 pounds respectively. I found all this in the owner's manual for a 2025 Terrain, if you were curious.

With all that being said, the Draw-Tite # DT98KV will max out the all wheel drive capacities and is rated higher than the capacities of the front wheel drive models. There really isn't any point to go with a higher rated hitch as you are limited by the lowest rated component, which in this case id the vehicle. Loading higher than what the vehicle is rated for could potentially void all warranties at best and cause a catastrophic failure at worst.

I know this is probably a bummer to hear, but what were you planning on using the hitch for? I might have a different solution for you.

expert reply by: Lazer S

Lazer S.

8/7/2025

Hey Robert, how did your plans for using the hitch turn out? I'm curious to know if you found a solution or if there's anything else I can help with.

Bob D.

9/26/2025

Will a 2025 Equinox LT Sport UTILITY front wheel drive carry a electric scooter and tray?

Lazer S.

9/26/2025

@BobD It will depend on how much the tray and electric wheel chair weigh. Front wheel drive models have 80 pounds of tongue weight capacity, so everything together will need to weigh less than that to do it safely. Do you know how much the wheelchair weighs and do you already have a tray/carrier?

Robert

11/3/2025

I noticed you did not specifically address my question. I asked about the specs of the hitch without respect to the limitation of the vehicle (2025 Terrain). I think i can assume the hitch has much greater specs but you have listed the limitation of the vehicles towing weights as the hitch specifications. Correct me if I am wrong.

Lazer S.

11/3/2025

@Robert I guess I did kind of gloss over that, my bad. The hitch is definitely tested higher (though I can't say to what as manufacturers don't list that anywhere for liability reasons), but it is listed as 1,500 pounds towing and 150 pounds of tongue weight as that is what Draw-Tite rates it for. As stated in my original answer, going over those ratings will void all warranties and could cause a catastrophic failure. Even with insurance and technically not being at fault, you will be found liable for any damages and/or injuries that are caused. So I very highly recommend not going over those listed ratings or what your vehicle is rated to, whichever is lower. I know you were looking for a more definitive answer with different specs and things, but there is nothing like that available, unfortunately.