What Class Hitch?

(awl) · (awl) **Join Date: Feb 2006** 02-18-2007, 5:09 PM

Just wondering what class hitch you big boat owners have. Class III is rated up to 6000 lbs. I own an X45, boat and trailer are pushing 6500 lbs. dry. I just purchased a class III for a third vehicle when the ratings came to my attention.

(sinkoumn) · (sinkoumn) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 02-18-2007, 6:13 PM

Bigger would be very good for you and everyone on the road.

A weight distributing hitch may help, but what is your tow vehicle? That info will help the most in making a decision. Otherwise, step up in the class or get the dist. hitch - but 6500lbs dry plus gas and various goodies will only push the total weight upward.

(Message edited by sinkoumn on February 18, 2007)

(awl) · (awl) **Join Date: Feb 2006** 02-18-2007, 6:53 PM

I tow with an Escalade. I'm not sure what class the hitch is. I remember asking the dealer what the tow rating is when I purchased the vehicle and it wasn't a problem. The hitch in question is going on a Full size Chevrolet 3500 Express Van I just purchased. It has the 6.0 engine. Doesn't the class IV hitch have a different receiver?

(tonality) · (tonality) **Join Date: Mar 2005** 02-21-2007, 2:16 PM

Nah, class IV will have the same receiver.
Google is your friend...

http://www.hitchesonline.com/hitch_selection.htm

(toneus) · (toneus) **Join Date: Feb 2007** 03-01-2007, 2:37 PM

How much you can tow is not related to your engine size (pull). It's related to how much you can STOP. What does your dealer recommend? What type of brakes are on your trailer? Surge, or Electric?

(awl) · (awl) **Join Date: Feb 2006** 03-01-2007, 4:20 PM

I've got surge brakes and tow an X45. This has been quite the discovery. Even though the tow rating on my escalade is 8000lbs. The hitch is a class III. this is the case with most SUV's. However, my X45 loaded is approx. 7500lbs. I wonder how many boat ownwer are over weighted on the class III hitch?