Trailer Hitch Rating

localcenters · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2005, 12:05 PM

I have an '03 Sequoia Limited 4WD with the towing package. Does anyone know the rating? Has to be either Class III or IV. Thanks!

KLS · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2005, 06:00 PM

Ignore the class rating...the hitch makers themselves can't agree on what weight constitutes what class. Yours is at least Class III.

If there is no weight sticker on the receiver, it will handle the max weight shown in your owner's manual. What's that, 6500#?

Ken

devillar · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2005, 06:52 PM

KLS,

Please re-read you owners manual. For the 2004, there is s difference in the towing capacities of the 2WD that may tow upto 6500 lbs and that of the 4WD that can only tow 6250? lbs. (I am not looking at the owner's manual right now - but going on memory from my original purchase, as I needed to tow our travel trailer and boat at different times.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLS

Ignore the class rating...the hitch makers themselves can't agree on what weight constitutes what class. Yours is at least Class III.

If there is no weight sticker on the receiver, it will handle the max weight shown in your owner's manual. What's that, 6500#?

Ken

localcenters · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 12:57 PM

I'm trying to determine if I can use a dirt bike rack for two bikes, total weight about 425 lbs, on the hitch. Some of the rack mfgrs call for a Class IV hitch. Years ago we used to figure 10% - 15% of the total trailer weight as tongue weight, and that would give me minimum 600# so I am thinking it would be OK.

biology tom · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by localcenters

. . . and that would give me minimum 600# so I am thinking it would be OK.

My '05 manual shows 620 lbs for 4x4 and 650 lbs for 2x4 for the max tongue weights for the *vehicle* -- I'm still not totally clear on the factory *hitch* max, but I'm guessing they chose a hitch that handles the maximum for the vehicle.

-=tg=- · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 06:55 PM

Look for a label or marking on the hitch. I think by law it has to show it's rated capacity.

Oops...just checked mine...no markings.

THarms · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 10:11 PM

I will recommend that if you don't have the load leveling suspension, with 425 Lbs. on the hitch you will definitely want to install airbags. I tow my pop-up (~150 Lb tongue wt) behind my receiver hitch-mounted 4 bicycle carrier (carrying 4 mountain bikes at ~100 Lbs. including the carrier) and the rear bumper of the sequoia would sag about 3-4" before I added the firestone airbags.