Hitch ratings

[Sightseer33]

Our 2011 class A has a hitch which is rated for 5000 lbs with max tongue weight of 500 lbs. is there any real danger if we exceed the hitch weight by 500lbs. Total vehicle weight and tow dolly would be about 5600 lbs.

[RickO]

I'll let some experts chime in on details but I know you'll need to check on the CGVWR so you don't exceed it.

Good luck.

Rick

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by Sightseer33

Our 2011 class A has a hitch which is rated for 5000 lbs with max tongue weight of 500 lbs. is there any real danger if we exceed the hitch weight by 500lbs. Total vehicle weight and tow dolly would be about 5600 lbs.

So do you want to double what the factory says is the max tongue weight (500 lbs) or do you want to exceed the overall weight capacity by 600 lbs...or both??

[Glenn and Kathy]

Your dolly probably would not put over 500 lb tongue weight on the hitch, but you are still 600 lb over the hitch weight. You are more than likely over the gcwr of your rig also. Do you want to trust that the hitch mfr built 600 lb extra strength into the hitch. There is also the max capacity of the ball to think about.

Glenn

[JC2]

Originally Posted by Sightseer33

Our 2011 class A has a hitch which is rated for 5000 lbs with max tongue weight of 500 lbs. is there any real danger if we exceed the hitch weight by 500lbs. Total vehicle weight and tow dolly would be about 5600 lbs.

The bottom line is how lucky do you feel. If you were ever in an accident and it was found out that you were overweight, you could probably kiss your insurance coverage good bye. It's always the best policy to play by the rules and don't fudge as Murphy's Law has a way of rearing it's ugly head when you least expect it. With that much weight, an auxillary braking system is needed for the vehicle being towed.