The receiver has nothing to do with the load bearing or load distributing
properties. That is the hitch's job. Either type will fit into the
receiver. See http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/info/hitchselect_info.htm for
a good summarization. Note a class 3 receiver with just a ball has a higher
gross trailer weight and tongue weight rating than with a load distributing
hitch.
I heartily endorse load distributing hitch setups. Get one that exceeds
your requirements by at least 20%. Consider a class 4 setup. I tow a 24
foot Pace enclosed trailer with a 2002 Dodge Ram conversion (by Sherrod)
van. The hitch distributes 1000 pounds - 500 pounds through each bar. I
also installed an anti-sway bar. This clever little device helps to stop
the trailer from getting sucked into the low pressure pocket beside a
passing 18-wheeler. Worth its weight in gold and twice the price.
A couple other tow things to consider: Get the factory tow package, usually
a larger alternator, bigger battery, heavy-duty engine cooling and an extra
oil cooler for the auto-trans, if at all possible. If not, at least add
extra cooling for the transmission. You'll need it. Have the factory
receiver installed if possible - they fit just right and all the wiring fits
with no clever surgery. Don't forget about the brake controller. That
usually requires some special wiring, at least a little splicing, and proper
mounting. Have a reputable dealer do the work and check out the whole
system with the trailer attached.
Good luck,
John P
ex Bernard Jourdain Ralt RT-5
From: "Mark Palmer" <mgvrmark@hotmail.com> wrote:
Subject: Class 3 hitch
> OK, here's a really dumb question: are all Class 3 hitch receivers
capable
> of weight distributing?
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