Do I Use Hitch Tongue Weight Capacity or Vehicle Tongue Weight Capacity

Question:

The capacity listed in the owners manual says the maximum tongue weight is 165lbs. I know the hitches sold can handle 350-400 but can the car? Will it cause frame damage? I need to transport a power chair that weighs 280 by itself. That seems to exceed the limit. Can it be done with this car on a platform unsupported?

asked by: Charles

Expert Reply:

When it comes to towing, you are always going to be bound by the component with the lowest capacity so even though the hitch can handle more weight, your vehicle can not. Since you mention that the tongue weight capacity of your vehicle is 165 lbs, a 280 lb power chair would exceed the tongue weight capacity and could cause damage to your vehicle but I do have a solution. The best solution would be to buy a lightweight trailer to transport your power chair.

The hitch that we offer for your 2016 Subaru WRX is our Curt Class I Receiver Hitch # C11408. This hitch has the towing capacity of 2,000 lbs and a tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs, but if your WRX is rated lower than the hitch then that will be your limiting factor.

For trailer wiring harness for your vehicle we offer the Curt T-Connector # C56259.

expert reply by: Leah S