Trailer Hitch Receiver on 1998 Chevy Tahoe has 2 Different Weight Capacities

Question:

So I am in the market for a weight distribution hitch. Cant figure out which one would be right for me. on my hitch it says my max tongue weight carrying is 500lbs but my max weight distributing is 1000lbs which would be the correct hitch to get or number to go off of?

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

Some trailer hitch receivers do have separate ratings for when a Weight Distribution (WD) system is used. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13029, which fits your 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, is normally rated for 600 lbs Tongue Weight (TW) and 6,000 lbs Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). When a WD system is used those ratings are bumped up to 1,000 lbs TW and 10,000 lbs GTW. This means that you can go by the higher weight ratings as long as the weight ratings for your Tahoe are not exceeded.

To select the correct WD system for your setup you will want to base it off of your Total Tongue Weight (TTW). Your TTW includes the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with any weight behind the rear axle of your Tahoe. You will then want to choose a WD system with a TW range that your TTW falls in the middle of. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the weight of the loaded trailer.

The Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution Systems are fairly popular and have received great reviews from our customers so I definitely recommend checking one of those out. Part # RP66083 could very well be the perfect WD system for your setup as it has a GTW of 8,000 lbs and a TW range of 400 lbs - 800 lbs. Be sure to know your TTW and make sure that it falls in the middle of this range before purchasing.

The Reese Strait-Line part # RP66083 comes with a shank but does not include a Hitch Ball. You can use part # A-90 for a 2 inch Hitch Ball or part # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch Hitch Ball.

I have attached a video review of this product for you to check out as well.