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

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.

Re: Hitch Question
 

Thanks Nick-

My old man said to say hello and hopes your enjoying the boat

Steve Jr

Re: Hitch Question
 

Where can i find each Hitch's rating, or can anybody just tell me...

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

Re: Hitch Question
 

You're welcome, Steve, and a "Hello!" back at you guys.
The boat's awesome, it's been a real pleasure.
:cool:

Re: Hitch Question
 

i know about the 2 rating, but what are they /class?

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.

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.

Re: Hitch Question
 

So with your truck could you tow a boat trailer combo up to 12500 lbs??

Re: Hitch Question
 

Yes, but with a weight distributing set-up only, on that stock class 3.

That's why I ditched the class 3 shown in the pic, and got a class 5, so I can tow using a plain, old weight carrying system - drop it on, lock it down and go.

Re: Hitch Question
 

Confused..

My Suburban is placarded weight carrying 5000, weight distributing 12000. I put a 10,000 lb. ball on that stock hitch.. and I tow.

Can I tow a boat trailer combo up to 10000 lbs. Or do I need to get some other kind of after market weight distributing system??

Re: Hitch Question
 

Hate to say it, but you have a class 3 hitch on there! You're overweight by 2X.

Without a weight distributing hitch, you're only good to 5000!
You need to get a true class 5.

Re: Hitch Question
 

See this thread:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...vy+hitch+balls

It has ALL the info you need.