How Does etrailer Determine the Weight Ratings of Hitches You Sell?

Question:

So I am ready to purchase a 2022 Audi Q5. According to your website, and your response to my previous inquiry, this vehicle is rated to support a tongue weight of 600 lbs. However, when I look at the Audi manufacturer's owners manual, it states that the Q 5 tongue weight maximum is 441 lbs. I saw an even bigger discrepancy with a Mercedes GLC 300 between the etrailer website and the manufacturer’s owner’s manual. In both cases, the manuals intimated I would be put of spec and at risk exceeding these thresholds. Am I missing something? Please help me understand this disconnect.

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

The way that we determine our weight ratings (both tongue and tow) that we have listed for our hitches like the Curt Hitch Receiver # C13406 comes directly from the manufacturer. The engineers go through intricate testing of each hitch to determine the ratings. Also, the hitch is not actually tested on a vehicle but a jig.

Since hitches are designed to fit certain years/makes/models of vehicle, the hitch that you need for your SUV depends on that information. Feel free to respond to this answer with the year/make/model and weight needs for the bike, and I will be happy to recommend a dirt bike/motorcycle carrier that will work for you.

expert reply by: Bob C

John S.

1/1/0001

Bob C.

2/5/2022

Thanks so much for the response and I can definitely clarify the weight ratings for you. When looking at the compatible hitches on your 2022 Audi Q5 like the Stealth Hitches Hidden Rack Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 391AUDQ518, the 600 pound tongue weight is the maximum weight rating of the hitch itself (not your 2022 Audi Q5). Hitches almost always have different weight capacities than a vehicle's maximum weight capacity. With that being said, since your Audi's owner's manual states that the maximum tongue weight is limited at 441 pounds, that weight capacity must be abided by (and not the 600-pound capacity of the hitch). So, if you go with the # 391AUDQ518, you will have a maximum weight capacity on your vehicle of 441 pounds.