Determining Weight Rating Needed for Trailer Coupler

Question:

I have this hitch on a trailer I recently bought and am trying to determine the weight I can pull with it. I was curious if the 8,000 lb weight rating on this coupler was Gross trailer weight or tongue weight. My trailer weighs 1800 pounds and I will be hauling an approximately 7500 lb truck on it, so the total weight would be more than 8,000 pounds, up around 9300 pounds. I am trying to determine if I need to order a 2 5/16inch coupler for it. Thanks

asked by: Noah M

Expert Reply:

The etrailer.com A-Frame Trailer Coupler # CA-5210-B referenced in your question features an 8,000 pound weight capacity, which refers to the overall weight of the trailer. Since you plan on loading the trailer up over 9,000 pounds, this will not be the best option. We do have higher rated couplers available that would not require you to change from a 2 inch hitch ball, such as the Demco A-Frame Trailer Coupler # DM14793-81 that has a 10,000 pound capacity. I have also attached a link that will take you to our available selection of trailer couplers that you can look through.

When upgrading the coupler on your trailer, it is also important to remember that this component is not the only part that dictates the trailer's overall capacity. I strongly recommend checking the axle capacity on your trailer or locating the primary information plate that should be located near the existing coupler. This will tell you the trailer's maximum weight. Various other components, such as the axle, suspension, or hubs might be rated lower than a 10,000 pound coupler, in which case you would need to follow the lowest rated component. If the coupler is rated for 10,000 pounds, but the axles only give you a combined capacity of 7,000 pounds, you will need to stay below 7,000 pounds on the trailer.

expert reply by: Chris R