AVA Tow Rating Vs. Hitch Rating?

[tyguy93]

Hello AVA'ers....

I'm curious about the tow ratings of the AVA compared to the trailering equipment.

Depending on model, 2WD/4WD, and final axle ratio the tow rating of the AVA ranges from 7300 to 12000.

The hitch on the AVA's is a class III hitch, rated up to 5000lbs.

So is the rating of the hitch really the "weakest link" or what an AVA could safely tow? With the given tow rating range why don't the AVA's need at least a class IV hitch good up to 10000 lbs?

I must be missing something here....

thanks in advance.
pd

 

[Big_Block_Driver]

Take a closer look at the ratings tag on your 2500. Mine plainly says 12,000 pounds for weight distributing. Putting a factory hitch on w/ a rating less than the vehicles published tow rating would open them up to all sorts of legal problems.

 

[MrBill]

Ok let me try to explain.

ClassIII Hitch.

WITH A STANDARD BALL.
Can tow between 3000 to 5000 GTW. Gross Towing Weight. and TW of 300 to 600 pounds. Tongue weight.

I mean small trailers and utility trailers.

WITH A WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING BALL SETUP.
To tow the heavy weight with a ClassIII hitch you need a wieght distributing ball setup. This will allow you to tow between 4000 and 12000 Gross Towing Weight and TW of 350 to 1000 Lbs.

To make life easy. I will post pics of the two different types of ball setups.

 

[MrBill]

Attached is a picture of a standard ball setup.

All you need to do is put the right size ball on it.

OK

 

[MrBill]

Attached is a pic of the Weight distibuting system.

Put the right size ball on it and attach the WDS to your trailer.

OK

 

[tyguy93]

okay,
thanks for the informative responses.

I have a WDS left-over from when I used to tow with a Durango [think it is even the one seen in the post]. So guess I will keep it around to use with the AVA.

Interesting still though.... we wouldn't need a WDS if the AVA's were equipped with a class IV it seems?

ciao,
pd

 

[MrBill]

Interesting still though.... we wouldn't need a WDS if the AVA's were equipped with a class IV it seems

If you are towing that much weight I would still use a WDS just for the sway control. You get that much weight swaying back their with out WDS or sway bars and you could loose control.

Just my personal comments.

p.s. I assume you are towing something other than a bulldozer.

 

[Rondo]

Not certain about the '03s but the '02s manual plainly states trailer hitch weight not to exceed 1,200 lbs and trailer weight up to 12,000 lbs (for a 2500 4x4) that would make the hitch at least a class IV.

Also if you are concerned take a close look at how your hitch attaches to the frame. Then look at some of the class IV & V hitches offered. If you are still concerned I'd upgrade. Nothing beats piece of mind.