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Max weight for Mopar hitch receiver?

1034 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  Ducksface
I recently got the oem hitch receiver installed by the dealer (2017-2021 Chrysler Rec Kit 82214543AC | Mopar Estores). I’m looking to attach a basket for a trip (for suitcases). Curious if anyone knows what the max weight for the receiver is. Docs say 150lb tongue weight but I’m not sure if it’s the right #. (Basket I got supports 500lb).
Thanks!


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The max tongue weight is simply 10% of the max trailer weight. For the factory tow package, the max tongue weight is 360 pounds. For a hitch installed without the factory tow package, the max trailer weight is 1500 pounds, therefore the 150 pound max tongue weight. Same hitch. The factory tow package does not include any changes to the suspension. You will be fine at below 360 pounds. Keep in mind the max payload for the van and body sag with the weight hanging off the back. You will want to manage both.
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The max tongue weight is simply 10% of the max trailer weight. For the factory tow package, the max tongue weight is 360 pounds. For a hitch installed without the factory tow package, the max trailer weight is 1500 pounds, therefore the 150 pound max tongue weight. Same hitch. The factory tow package does not include any changes to the suspension. You will be fine at below 360 pounds. Keep in mind the max payload for the van and body sag with the weight hanging off the back. You will want to manage both.
Sounds, good, thanks!


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There is nothing in the tow package that physically increases the tongue weight. None of the structural components are different between the factory tow package and non tow package hitch. So focusing on the wrong issue to determine your carrying capacity.

Structurally it will be up to the task of towing 3600lb. and per Chrysler doc's that equates to 360lb tongue weight. This tongue weight will need to be included in your overall payload total.

Thats the easy part. Next, Chrysler determines the tongue weight to be at a point 10" behind the face of the receiver, where the ball of a hitch would typically be. With a trailer the tongue weight acts on the ball, and its a simple weight measurement. With any other attachment, where the weight cantilevers beyond the hitch. You should account for the distance to the center of gravity of the load. This distance from the 10" from face of receiver, out to the actual center of gravity, needs to be factored in. A load that extends back an additional 16" would need to be no greater than 150lb to have the same affect on your structural components as a 360lb tongue weight. It would have an even greater affect from the dynamic load.

I can validate that it does have an affect on handling as well. I tried to run a 4-bike hitch carrier with a swing arm. and it would lift the front of the van over an inch just sitting static.

-tratpop
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There is nothing in the tow package that physically increases the tongue weight. None of the structural components are different between the factory tow package and non tow package hitch. So focusing on the wrong issue to determine your carrying capacity.

Structurally it will be up to the task of towing 3600lb. and per Chrysler doc's that equates to 360lb tongue weight. This tongue weight will need to be included in your overall payload total.

Thats the easy part. Next, Chrysler determines the tongue weight to be at a point 10" behind the face of the receiver, where the ball of a hitch would typically be. With a trailer the tongue weight acts on the ball, and its a simple weight measurement. With any other attachment, where the weight cantilevers beyond the hitch. You should account for the distance to the center of gravity of the load. This distance from the 10" from face of receiver, out to the actual center of gravity, needs to be factored in. A load that extends back an additional 16" would need to be no greater than 150lb to have the same affect on your structural components as a 360lb tongue weight. It would have an even greater affect from the dynamic load.

I can validate that it does have an affect on handling as well. I tried to run a 4-bike hitch carrier with a swing arm. and it would lift the front of the van over an inch just sitting static.

-tratpop
Odd, I the Thule 4 bike swing hitch and it did no such thing full loaded or other wise
Couple things come into play. I was using a a swing adapter adn a separate 4 bike carrier. Meaning first you installed the swing arm, and then the bike carrier. My calcualtion was even worse than a 4 bike carrier that has an intergral swing arm. With an integral swing arm, you only need to worry about the center of gravity of the bike load, in relation to the 10" typical "ball" location.

In my situation there was an additional 8"-10" of the generic swing arm to account for. I have run the 4 bike carrier just fine without the swing arm. The swing adapter lets me switch over to a basket, or spare tire carrier as needed. But is how we could have a varied experience.

These are really for our family truck that has a greater tongue weight capacity.

-tratpop
Stand on rear bumper/hitch.
Invite friends to join you.
See what happens.
Then YOU decide, not some Jr legal clerk guarding Chrysler.

If it doesn't say;
'not to be exceeded by penalty of law'
It's just a suggestion or guideline to keep you in the ballpark.

Think of the reason for the limit.
It's legal, not physical.
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