Hitch Rating

[Randy Perry]

So if I can't find any info on my hitch and no signs of any addition bracing and with my coach being a 2000 Patriot, would one assume it have to a 5000lb rating?

[Keith Moffett]

The hitch is the key piont in towing a 5000lb. weight at 65mph. down the highway.  If I were unsure I would have it inspected in a shop that does hitches.  This is supposed to be done every so often anyway so they can check for cracks and rust and so on so you could kill two birds with one shot.  Not to mention some peace of mind.

Keith

[Gerald Farris]

Randy,
Your coach came originally equipped with a 5,000 pound rated hitch. So unless it has been changed, you definitely have a 5,000 pound hitch.

Gerald

[Randy Perry]

Thanks Gerald, that's what I thought. I have a 10K rated 24' enclosed trailer that I tow once or twice a year, but it's total weight is well under 5K! Can it be modified to a 10K rating with additional bracing? What about its tonge rating?

[Robert Mathis]

Randy, the chances of finding a welding shop that will modify an existing hitch to increase the capacity are very slim. It's a liability issue for them. Your best bet is to go to a reputable hitch shop and have them remove the present hitch and install a 10K hitch, if the frame will support it. Just welding gussets on your hitch not really add much capacity. The 15K hitch on my truck uses a 2 1/2" reciever and ball mount, the ball mount is a solid piece of steel, not a holle square tube, and uses a 2 5/16" ball.