Does a Higher Rated Trailer Hitch Receiver Increase the Towing Capacity of My Vehicle

Question:

My 2015 Volvo XC70s manual shows a towing weight braked of 3300 lbs. and a tongue weight of 165. Your Draw-Tite hitch for that Volvo shows 4000 lbs, and tongue weight of 400. Which should I use? Thanks

asked by: Mike S

Expert Reply:

Unfortunately, you need to go by the lowest rated component which in most cases, including yours, is the vehicle. Hitch manufacturers often make their hitches rated higher than the vehicles they're designed to fit. Just like with the Draw-Tite # 75916 that fits yours 2015 Volvo XC70.

Adding a higher rated hitch (Or anything else) doesn't increase the capacity because the vehicle is still only able to handle the weight it's rated for.

expert reply by: Charles S