Hitch and Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a 2014 Silverado 1500

Question:

The factory has established a rating of 12,000lbs for trailer weight and 1,200 pounds for a weight distributing hitch. Will this hitch improve upon the WD capacity? This presumes that I will still be limited to the RGAW rating. Additionally will it fit around the spare tire? factory hitch is molded to fit around the tire with about 2inch clearance

asked by: Chad L

Expert Reply:

In a towing setup you always have to use the lowest rated component as the overall towing capacity. The Curt Hitch part # C15323 that you referenced has much higher capacities than what your vehicle has. All that means is that the hitch portion of your setup wouldn't fail if you went above your capacity, but your vehicle would most likely.

If the max capacity with weight distribution for your vehicle is 1,200 lb tongue weight and 12,000 total weight that is the max you could do with this hitch and a WD system. For a similarly rated WD system I would recommend the Reese WD System part # RP66542. This system as a 1,200 tongue weight rating.

With the Curt hitch you referenced you would be able to keep your full sized spare, it will need to be lowered for installation though. Also, your factory hitch will get removed prior to installation of this hitch.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow, this figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. I also attached an FAQ article on WD systems.

expert reply by: Jameson C