Confused about weight distribution
Sorry about the newbie threads lately, but this should be the last one. My tow vehicle is a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. Capacity is ~3,000 lbs (3,600 minus 100 for stow-and-go seats and 500 for family a...
Forum Discussion
drsteve wrote:
The hitch receiver's ratings refer to the physical strength of that part ONLY. It has nothing to do with the rest of the vehicle.
Yes, I understand that. My whole point is that "the rest of the vehicle" is not in question. "The rest of the vehicle" is rated at 3,600 lbs. The hitch receiver rating is the only think I'm asking about because that's the only one that says anything about needing weight distribution equipment to go over 2,000 lbs.
drsteve wrote:
The suspension upgrades in the tow package do not constitute weight distribution equipment. Stiffer rear suspension keeps the bumper off the ground, it does NOT transfer weight to the front axle, which is what a weight distribution hitch does.
That's my point. None of what you just said has anything to do with the hitch receiver, so I'm trying to figure out why the hitch receiver is the part that requires weight distribution when none of the rest of the vehicle does.
drsteve wrote:
The GC is a people hauler. It might handle the occasional trip to the lumber yard with a utility trailer in tow, but I would not expect it to perform well on long runs at freeway speeds, loaded with the family and a bunch of camping gear, especially if hills are involved.
"Read the manual" everyone says. Over and over again it's "read the manual, read the manual, read the manual." I've read the manual a hundred times and the manual says I can safely tow 3,600 lbs (or a family plus camping gear plus 2,900 lbs).
