Tongue Weight Capacity with Weight Distribution System On 2015 Highlander XLE

Published 01/06/2017

Question:

I have a 2015 Highlander XLE with a tongue weight capacity rating of 500 lbs 5,000 towing and a Curt Class III Hitch. Ive seen some hitches with a sticker that says something like 5,000 lbs tow / 500 lbs tongue ... 8,000 lbs tow / 800 tongue with weight distribution. What would the tongue capacity be with a weight distribution hitch on the Curt Class III hitch for the Highlander XLE? I have the Husky Centerline WD. I presume the weight distribution hitch distributes the weight to the tow vehicles front axle and the trailer axle, thus putting less weight on the hitch ball itself. What percentage of the tongue weight gets distributed ... or lessens the weight on the ball? Is that what the sticker is saying? If so, what is it for the Curt ... I didnt see a sticker like that on it?

asked by: Tom W

Expert Reply:

The 2015 Toyota Highlander Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2", # C13200, has a hitch rating of 900 lbs tongue weight with or without weight distribution which is highter than your vehicle capacity of 500 lbs. Your weight distribution system will spread the weight out but that doesn't mean there is a lesser weight on the hitch ball enabling you to carry a greater load safely. This expanded capacity is still limited by your towing vehicle and not just the hitch itself. Your vehicle cannot tow more than 5000 lbs or have a total tongue weight with weight distribution (which includes any weight behind the rear axle of your Highlander as well as the tongue weight of the trailer) greater than 500 lbs. I double checked your owners manual and you will be limited to this amount as the sticker states.

They put stickers like this on the aftermarket systems but it is for the hitch itself, not the vehicle, and they are often rated higher than the vehicle can handle, as is this instance so you need to go by the vehicle manufacturer's specs.

I've attached a couple articles that may help.

expert reply by: Jason S