Why Is Ratings For Trailer Hitch Receiver So Much Higher Than Vehicles Towing Capacity?

Question:

Im curious as to how this hitch can tow 4500lbs or thereabout and the tongue weight is around 600lbs, when the Subaru manual for the naturally aspirated 2021 Outback is a tongue weight of ~200lbs and a towing capacity of 2700lbs?

asked by: Alex

Expert Reply:

The rating of a trailer hitch receiver and the vehicle it was designed for rarely match up perfectly.

In most cases including this one, Draw-Tite tested the hitch to higher standards and found the # DT73RR capable of the 675lb tongue weight and 4500lb trailer weight you mentioned.

With that said you are always limited to the lowest rated component. So in this case even though the hitch is rated pretty high, you are still limited to the 200lb tongue weight and 2700lb trailer weight your 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon lists in the owner's manual.

I included a video of the # DT73RR being installed for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C