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cs2kplus's avatar
cs2kplus
Explorer
Sep 01, 2014

Weight Distribution Hitch Value

Hi. Looking at a 2004 1500 Chevy Tahoe to pull a 6500 lb rv. Weight capacity for its gear ratio is 7500 lbs max. However, on the hitch it says 12,000 lbs weight distributing. Now...I was told that using a weight distributing hitch will increase your tow capacity. Seems to be the case here. Is this correct?

33 Replies

  • OK. So if the towing capacity is 7500...and my rv is 6500....I guess It would squeak by? By the way - it does have a trani cooler installed.
  • I was told that using a weight distributing hitch will increase your tow capacity. Seems to be the case here. Is this correct?



    No way no how!!!!

    Not sure who put that hitch on that truck but your subject to what your truck states it could pull.. Other wise your burn it up in a hot minute...

    This is due to radiator size, trans cooling, brakes, axle rates... etc..

    You really want to know what you can tow?? You will suprised..

    Load the truck with full tank of fuel and all yourself in the truck Go to a cat scale and get your seperate axle weights...

    Then come back and post that # and the axles weights from your door tag.. Also post the maz weight reating of your tires at max cold pressure..

    From there we can tell you exactly what you can tow...
  • Hitch capacity does not equal what you can tow. Most of the time, the "tow rating" is not what a truck can truly handle. Most of the time, you meet the tongue rating on the hitch, the GVW of the truck, or the GAWR of the truck. But, towing a 7500 pound trailer with upwards to 1000lbs of tongue weight, you will want and need a WDH.

    By the way, the hitch is probably the same used on all GMs of that age.

    www.leantorv.com