Question: I’m looking at getting a Chevy 2500. When I do a VIN lookup on new ones they say dead weight hitch 500lbs, max trailer 5000lbs. But WT distribution hitch tongue weight 1450lbs and trailer 14500lbs.
I thought I could get a class IV or V hitch that could handle more tongue weight with a bumper pull trailer and not have to use a weight distribution hitch?
my trailer is around 6500lbs and can get up to 1100+ tongue weight depending on how loaded (small living quarters in front).
My Tundra pulls it fine (with no WDH) but I’m maxing out my rear axle rating of 4100lbs. I thought getting a bigger 3/4 ton truck would be better but I’m unsure on the Chevy hitch capacity now. Maybe I have to special order a heavier duty hitch or have it put on after purchase?

 

Up to how many horses do you move at a time? Because that’s another consideration for the weight rating. Even based on empty weight, if you’re pushing 1100 pounds tongue weight, a class 5 is probably the safest choice to make sure you don’t exceed capacity.

Check out Curt Mfg - curtmfg.com - they manufacture hitches and towing hardware/accessories. You can look up hitches directly or by make and model to determine vehicle specific combinations for your trailer.

 

Usually just one horse but maybe two on rare occasions. Trailer axles are rated 3500lbs so ​​​​​​I max out the trailer rating at 7000. So the weight I’m pulling isn’t big my issue is my setup has high tongue weight. My current Tundra pulls it just fine with no sway (class III) but I am way over the hitch rating and maxed out my rear axle.
I guess even if I get a new 3/4 truck I would need to get an after market hitch installed since I really need a class V? I was just hoping I could buy something ready to go and not have to take a new truck in to replace parts immediately...

 

If you’re going to get a brand new truck, a class 5 might be an option - I just couldn’t say for sure. You may just have to inquire with GM directly.

Anything used isn’t likely to have a class 4 or 5 on it unless the previous owner installed it.