Compatability of Part # 66073 with a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Towing a 3700 Pound Travel Trailer

Question:

Manual for our 2002 Isuzu Rodeo says max tow wt is 4500#. We have a reciever capable of 5000# max wt with weight dist hitch. Is this part # 66073 the right one for towing a 3700# travel trailer? My main concern is that it is too much, not too little capacity.

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

Pulling a 3700 pound trailer with a vehicle rated for 4500 pounds will be safe as long as you keep the trailer weight below the vehicle rating and keep the tongue weight around 10 percent of the trailers gross weight when loaded. Using a weight distribution system will add to the safety by allowing the vehicle to tow the trailer level and reduce sag at the rear of the vehicle and stress on the hitch and trailer tongue. With sway control you will also have added safety if high winds are encountered or when large trucks pass.

The Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution Hitch, item # 66073, has a tongue weight capacity of between 400 and 800 pounds so it is at the upper end of the weight that you will be carrying. The only drawback to this is that it may produce a slightly stiffer ride than a system that is rated for something like 200 to 600 pounds. Your tongue weight would fall right in the middle of this range so it would be a perfect fit for your vehicle. The Reese Strait-Line Hitch 600 lbs TW / 12,000 lbs GTW, item # 66072 has a 200 to 600 pound tongue weight capacity.

expert reply by: Robert G