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1. Refer to owner's
manuals.
For your tow vehicle, trailer, & other
parts of your towing system.
Learn the capabilities and limitations of
each part. GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT and TONGUE WEIGHT are two of the most important
items to consider. THESE WEIGHTS MUST NEVER EXCEED THE LOWEST RATING OF ANY PART
OF
YOUR TOWING SYSTEM. GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT is the weight of the trailer plus
all cargo.
2. Determine What Class
Weight Carrying (WC) Receiver Hitch You Need.
HITCH TYPES
Trailer hitches come in a variety of shapes and sizes for various
applications. Generally speaking, trailer hitches are classified either
weight-carrying or weight-distributing. The type best for you depends entirely
upon the tow vehicle and trailer size and weight.
Weight-carrying (WC) type of
hitch is used in applications where trailer weight is up to and including a
maximum of 3,500 lbs., and where the weight and suspension of the tow vehicle
can accommodate that load. The tongue weight (TW) is carried directly on the rear of
the tow vehicle and on the hitch.
Weight-distributing (WD) An
attachment, (sold separately) which slides into a Class 3/4 or Class 5
weight carrying (WC) receiver hitch, and redistributes hitch tongue weight (TW).
Weight distributing hitches are normally used for
heavier trailers up to 10,000 lbs. Typically uses 2 spring
bars, one on each side of the trailer to lift up and apply leverage to the tow
vehicle, thereby redistributing tongue weight from the rear axle to the front.
This provides more vehicle stability while towing. Weight distributing hitches
currently come in two configurations: One with square bars that hook to the
center of the ball mount, called trunnion bars, and one with round bars that
slide into the bottom of the ball mount, called round bars.
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.Classification
Chart |
Light Duty
Class I |
Medium Duty
Class II |
Heavy Duty
Class III |
Heavy Duty
Class IV |
Extra-Heavy
Duty
Class V |
| Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight |
2,000
lbs( WC) |
3,500
lbs (WC) |
5,000 lbs (WC) |
7,500 lbs (WC) |
10,000
lbs (WC) |
| Maximum
Tongue Weight |
200 lbs (TW) |
350 lbs
(TW) |
500 lbs
(TW) |
1000 lbs
(TW) |
1,200
lbs (TW) |
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Compact Cars |
Class
l
Light-Duty |
Not
Recommended
For Towing |
Not
Recommended
For Towing |
Not
Recommended
For Towing |
Not
Recommended
For Towing |
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Mid-Size
Cars |
Class
l
Light-Duty |
Class
2
Medium-Duty |
Not
Recommended
For Towing |
Not
Recommended
For Towing |
Not
Recommended
For Towing |
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Full
Size Cars &
Mini Trucks-Vans |
Class
l
Light-Duty
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Class
2
Medium-Duty
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Class
3
Heavy-Duty
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Class
4
Heavy-Duty
|
Not
Recommended
For Towing |
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Full
Size
Trucks, Vans & SUVs |
Class
1
Light-Duty |
Class
2
Medium-Duty |
Class
3
Heavy-Duty |
Class
4
Heavy-Duty |
Class
5
Extra Heavy-Duty |
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