Why Does a Vehicle Hitch Have a Second Rating for Use with Weight Distribution
Question:
I am looking at buying a new TT to pull with my 2000 Suburban. I have looked up the specs by my vin number but I am confused on one thing. My hitch that is on the vehicle is rated for 5000# trailer weight and 600# tongue weight. Also states 9000# trailer weight and 1000# tongue weight with Wt Distributing Hitch. I have already considered a Wt Distributing Hitch but do I need to change the factory hitch/receiver out also or are these numbers for a Wt Distributing Hitch attached to the factory set up? Thanks for your help.
asked by: Loyd N
Expert Reply:
The weight distribution weight capacities that the hitch of your 2000 Chevy Suburban has are the capacities of the factory hitch when used with a weight distribution system. As long as the trailer you plan to tow weighs less than those capacities you would be good to go.
The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.
Once you know your tongue weight you will want to check out the link I attached that has all of the weight distribution systems we carry. You will be able to select your tongue weight from the filters to see what would be rated for your setup.
