Hitch rating

ntar827 · 01-01-2011, 12:54 PM

I have a Coachmen Freedom Express Class C on a Chevy Express chassis. The installed hitch is rated at 3500lb.

Would like to tow a Chevy Tracker (small [COLOR=#0072BC ! important][COLOR=#0072BC ! important]SUV[/COLOR][/COLOR]). Per Motorhome Magazine, the weight of the Tracker is 2987 lb.

Is the 3500 lb hitch sufficient to tow the Tracker?

If not, can a higher rated hitch be installed on the Chevy Express chassis?

Thanks

Nick

**RickO** · 01-01-2011, 01:04 PM

Hi Nick... I'm sure some experts will chime in soon but to me it looks pretty tight. Most folks like to leave at least a 10% buffer on the hitch rating and I assume the weight you list for the tracker is a dry weight? Adding anything to that would seem to put you right at the limit.

Rick

**Gary RVRoamer** · 01-01-2011, 07:45 PM

You are probably ok, though tight. We had two Tracker 4-doors and both weighed around 3100-3200 lbs. You didn't mention the year or the body type - the earlier one were lighter and of course so are the 2-doors.

Replacing the hitch may not be an option. Usually the factory hitch reflects the chassis towing limits (GCWR) and the manner in which the hitch is attached to the chassis. I doubt if the Chevy Express chassis can handle a larger hitch rating.

ntar827 · 01-01-2011, 11:07 PM

Gary

It is a four door with a V6 and auto transmission.

I am lightly loaded in the RV so I will not be carrying anything (maybe a couple of lawn chairs) in the Tracker. Can keep gas tank at half full max since I will never travel more than 50 miles from any campground.

Nick

**Gary RVRoamer** · 01-02-2011, 09:47 AM

As I said, I think you are ok with a 3500 lb hitch and the Tracker. We had two, a 2000 and a 2004, both 4 DR/4WD, and they generally weighed about 3100 lbs as we towed it.