Hitch Question
#1
Registered
Thread Starter
Hitch Question
Are all hitch's, no matter what the brand or make, equal per class... In other words are all class I's rated up to 2500, all class II 4500, all class III's 7500, and so on, and its just a matter of brand you buy based on preference not strength, (above rates just an example), looking for all the hitch info i can get to make the right choice
Steve Jr
Steve Jr
#2
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Re: Hitch Question
That is correct...to a degree. The DOT along with SAE sets the standards for minimum strength and performance requirements. Each and every hitch, regardless of brand will perform as expected to it's rated strength, by law.
However, some manufacturers use design load cases and factors of safety above and beyond the minimum. How much, who knows? Bottom line, if you get a hitch that meets or exceeds the load criteria for your towing situation you will be fine both towing the load, and will be covered in the event of an accident.
However, some manufacturers use design load cases and factors of safety above and beyond the minimum. How much, who knows? Bottom line, if you get a hitch that meets or exceeds the load criteria for your towing situation you will be fine both towing the load, and will be covered in the event of an accident.
Last edited by CigDaze; 11-11-2005 at 08:22 AM. Reason: spelling
#5
Registered
Re: Hitch Question
Each hitch should have a sticker on it telling you it's rating.
There are generally two ratings on hitches. There will be a weight carrying rating, and a weight distributing rating.
Buck
There are generally two ratings on hitches. There will be a weight carrying rating, and a weight distributing rating.
Buck
#6
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Re: Hitch Question
Originally Posted by Boomer35
Thanks Nick-
My old man said to say hello and hopes your enjoying the boat
Steve Jr
My old man said to say hello and hopes your enjoying the boat
Steve Jr
The boat's awesome, it's been a real pleasure.
#8
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Re: Hitch Question
Class 1
Trailer Hitch with capacity of up to 2000# gross trailer weight and 200# tongue weight.
Class 2
Trailer hitch with capacity of up to 3500# gross weight and 350# tongue weight.
Class 3
Trailer hitch with capacity of up to 5000# gross and 500# tongue weight. Also sometimes refers to a hitch with a 2" receiver regardless of rating.
Class 4
Trailer hitch with capacity of up to 10000# gross trailer weight and 1000-1400# tongue weight. Although many times any hitch with a capacity greater than 5000# gross weight is referred to as a Class 4.
Class 5
Any Trailer hitch with capacity greater than 10000# gross trailer weight and 1000-1200# tongue weight. Usually a 2.5" receiver or in some special cases a 2" receiver.
Trailer Hitch with capacity of up to 2000# gross trailer weight and 200# tongue weight.
Class 2
Trailer hitch with capacity of up to 3500# gross weight and 350# tongue weight.
Class 3
Trailer hitch with capacity of up to 5000# gross and 500# tongue weight. Also sometimes refers to a hitch with a 2" receiver regardless of rating.
Class 4
Trailer hitch with capacity of up to 10000# gross trailer weight and 1000-1400# tongue weight. Although many times any hitch with a capacity greater than 5000# gross weight is referred to as a Class 4.
Class 5
Any Trailer hitch with capacity greater than 10000# gross trailer weight and 1000-1200# tongue weight. Usually a 2.5" receiver or in some special cases a 2" receiver.
#9
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Re: Hitch Question
And as far as weight carrying verse weight distributing, that's a function of the vehicle and hitch combination, so there's no set value.
On My '05 F-250, for instance that came with a class 3 hitch as stock, the plate on the hitch says: "5000# Gross Trailer weight / 500# Tongue weight when weight carrying, or 12,500# / 1250# weight distributing." But it's different for each vehicle.
On My '05 F-250, for instance that came with a class 3 hitch as stock, the plate on the hitch says: "5000# Gross Trailer weight / 500# Tongue weight when weight carrying, or 12,500# / 1250# weight distributing." But it's different for each vehicle.
Last edited by CigDaze; 11-11-2005 at 10:34 AM.