Weight Capacity of Curt Class V 2-1/2 Inch Hitch Receiver, Part # C15810
Question:
I wanted to check on the weight capacity of this hitch. It seems to me as I read that it lists the weight carrying capacity and the weight distribution capacity as the same 20,000 lbs. Is that correct? Im looking to up the receiver capacity of a 2012 Ford F-250 from the stock 6,000 lbs so that I can tow a 16-18 foot enclosed landscape trailer with 2 zero-turn mowers. I currently have a 7,000 lbs GVW trailer so to me that means I should 1. use a weight distribution hitch or 2. upgrade the receiver so that it is capable of handling the weight without having to have a weight distribution system. Im also looking to upgrade my trailer to a 6 foot wide model compared to the 5 footer I have now so an increase in capacity would be needed for that as well. Thanks for your help.
asked by: James W
Expert Reply:
You are correct that the product description for the Curt Class V 2-1/2 Inch Hitch Receiver, Part # C15810, shows the same tongue weight and gross towing weight ratings with and without weight distribution. This is because unlike lower capacity hitches, say a Class III, this Class V hitch is already rated at or near the vehicle structural limits. Strictly speaking, adding a weight distribution setup would give this hitch receiver higher capacity, but it would serve no purpose.
Unless you do quite a bit of long-distance highway driving with the trailer (where the anti-sway capabilities of a weight distribution system would be useful), or unless you find your truck sags in the back when hitched to your trailer, you will be better served by upgrading to the Class V receiver. Weight distribution systems must be carefully selected based on trailer tongue weight. Since you plan to move to a heavier trailer, the higher-rated hitch is the way to go. This Curt hitch installs without welding using the included hardware kit.
I have linked an article on weight distribution systems just in case you want to review it.
You will need to order a ball mount, hitch ball, pin and clip to complete the set-up. I have included a link to our department page for Class V ball mounts. You can use the filters on the left to select one with the particular rise or drop needed to match your truck and trailer. The Reese # AMSCV-2 offers one-piece forged construction and a 1-1/2 inch rise and 3-inch drop; the Convert-A-Ball # RP45323 offers 3/4 inch rise and 2-inch drop. Or you can select an adjustable ball mount if you prefer. For hitch ball you can use the 2-5/16 inch Curt # C40085. Pin and clip are # 37201065.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hitch Pin and Clip for 2-1/2" and 3" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 4-3/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- 4-3/4 Inch Long
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 3 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4-3/4 Inch Span
- JR Products
more information >
Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount for 2-1/2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 18,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1-1/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Class V
- Shock Absorbing
- Convert-A-Ball
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Raw Finish - 30,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Raw Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 30000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Reese Ball Mount - 3-1/2" Rise, 5" Drop - 10" Long - 18,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1-1/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 5 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Class V
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2-1/2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class V
- 2700 lbs TW
- 20000 lbs GTW
- 20000 lbs WD GTW
- 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 2700 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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