How to determine hitch weight capacity
...when nothing in the door-post or the manual even mentions it? We know the hitch-weight of our TT, but when shopping for a TV, how can you know the maximum hitch weight it can take? There's no...
Forum Discussion
MargaretB wrote:I can appreciate your frustration. I applaud you big-time for taking the time to actually weigh your TT. Not many folks do. However, since you had not mentioned this specifically, one can only assume you were using unloaded manufacturer's tongue/hitch weight as a real-world baseline. Again, kudos for taking the time to get a realworld number.otrfun wrote:
You cannot determine how much tongue/hitch weight your truck can support without knowing the payload of your truck. Your tongue/hitch weight must be subtracted from the payload capacity of your truck.
The dealer will probably give you a hard time about it, but I'd suggest weighing your TT (axle & tongue/hitch weight--road ready with all options) before purchase. Not many people do it, but if you have any interest in protecting yourself from a costly, safety related mistake . . .
We understand what has to be subtracted from what, but our issue right now is very simple: HOW DO WE KNOW THE HITCH WEIGHT CAPACITY OF THE TRUCK?
We bought the TT four months ago and have weighed everything we could think of. The hitch, with two batteries and two propane tanks, weighs 780#s. All we need to know now, for the trucks we're looking at, is HOW DO WE KNOW THE HITCH WEIGHT CAPACITY OF THE TRUCK?
Thank you.
In any case, back to your question about the capacity of the receiver on your truck. A class IV receiver has a 2" square opening. A class V receiver has a 2 1/2" square opening. Typically (not always), maximum tongue/hitch weight for a Class IV receiver using a properly adjusted WDH is 1000-1200 lbs. and 1200-1700 lbs. for a Class V hitch using a properly adjusted WDH.
Is your receiver OEM or aftermarket? If it's OEM, your answer will come from the OEM. If it's aftermarket, your answer will have to come from the OEM and the manufacturer of your aftermarket receiver. The aftermarket receiver manufacture can brag all day long about supporting 1700 lbs.; however, doesn't mean diddly if the OEM says your truck will only support 1000 lbs. with an aftermarket receiver.
