Reese Hitch capacity

[Dealbreaker74]

This came off my '79 Scout. Looks to be in good shape, no rust or cracks to worry about. Does anyone know the capacity of this style of hitch? My guess is 3500-5000lbs. It can't be less than that can it? No plans to tow anything yet, but it would be nice to know for sure what it was designed to do.

 

[ihpartsjeff]

I have had the same reese trailer hitch on my last three scouts. Lets just say I have yet to find its known maximum capacity but it will tow plenty. One trip to the scrap yard had the scale showing at over 16000# one time(Scout and trailer with load of scrap). The last heavy thing I towed was a smaller catepillar that weighs in at 6200# plus the weight of my trailer at nearly 3000#.

 

[Dealbreaker74]

I have had the same reese trailer hitch on my last three scouts. Lets just say I have yet to find its known maximum capacity but it will tow plenty. One trip to the scrap yard had the scale showing at over 16000# one time(Scout and trailer with load of scrap). The last heavy thing I towed was a smaller catepillar that weighs in at 6200# plus the weight of my trailer at nearly 3000#.

Copy that. Thanks Jeff!

 

[MarkO]

I think the weight is determined by the size of the spring bars that are used in the head and the size of the receiver--2" is rated much less than the 2.5".

Outside of the size of the receiver I haven't noticed much difference between the class iii, class iv, or class v hitches that reese makes.

 

[Dealbreaker74]

The class rating of the hitch is what I was really looking for. I was assuming it to be the class iii variety, or whatever the lowest capacity is (its a 2" receiver). But based on Jeff's experience, its likely I'll be well within this piece's operational envelope, whatever its rating is.

 

[Scoutboy74]

I have that exact hitch on my '74 (removed from an '80 traveler). Thus far the only purpose it has served is to provide some impact protection for my 33 gal tank during sketchy obstacle departures...bang! It has held up well to that duty so far. It also makes a convenient attachment point for a tow strap eye secured with a lock pin. I don't recall seeing any class rating info on it. It was covered in surface rust which I stripped away and painted over. Likely any such information was contained on an adhesive-backed sticker which probably fell off during the second year of original ownership. Its good to know that the unit is capable of handling some heavy loads provided all necessary primary and secondary equipment is employed.