Why Does Trailer Hitch Tongue Weight Differ From Vehicle Tongue Weight

Question:

The 2016 Outback has a tongue weight rating of 200lbs but the Draw-Tite #76227 has a max tongue weight of 600lbs. Does the rating from Subaru refer to an OEM hitch and therefore upgrading to the Draw-Tite would increase the tongue weight? Or is the max tongue weight related to some sort of rating on the frame?

asked by: Justin

Expert Reply:

Our trailer hitches are rated separately from the vehicle they fit. Basically they design the hitch to fit the vehicle and to be as strong as possible, they determine the capacities of the hitch, and then that's what they list for it. BUT, the overall towing capacity of a vehicle is always the lowest rated component so if your vehicle says 200 lbs tongue weight is the limit that is the limit regardless of how strong the hitch it.

expert reply by: Jameson C