Tongue Weight Ratings and Bumps In the Road
Question:
Hello, I plan on getting a trailer hitch and cargo carrier for my car. My car, the hitch, and the carrier are all rated at 200 lb+ for the tongue weight. Does this mean I can put load up 200lb worth of stuff on the back including hitch and carrier? In other words, does the 200lb tongue weight take into account going over ~reasonable~ bumps and other things that might add additional downwards force on the hitch?
asked by: Alexander F
Expert Reply:
Yes, when hitch manufacturers set the weight capacities for a trailer hitch they take into account that the load will be on roads where there will be bumps and turns.
Tongue weight rating is not a purely static figure. As long as the roads you are traveling on aren't extremely bumpy you would be just fine.
If you haven't already you need to check the owners manual of your vehicle to determine what the manufacturer sets as the max tongue weight. If this figure is lower than the hitch capacity you must adhere to it as your tongue weight capacity. A towing setup is only as strong as its weakest component.
Any weight behind the rear axle of your vehicle should also be considered as tongue weight. So any gear bags, tool boxes or coolers would need to be moved to in front of the axle.
I attached an FAQ on tongue weight that you might find interesting.
