Hitches
Use a hitch and ball recommended by your vehicle manufacturer or your dealer, and make sure that its location is compatible with that of the trailer. Use a good weight-carrying hitch that uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the bumper and the frame. Do not exceed the recommended towing capacity of the vehicle.
Notice: Always disconnect the battery and the engine electronic control module (ECM) before welding anything to the chassis frame.
Do not use single-clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach to the vehicle axle. However, multi-clamp bumper hitches for occasional use of a rental trailer are acceptable if properly attached. Follow the towing instructions of a reputable rental agency. Never attach safety chains to the bumper.
Whenever a trailer hitch is removed, be sure to have all mounting holes in the underbody properly sealed to prevent possible entry of exhaust fumes, dirt, or water.
A standard hitch has two ratings depending on the mode of operation; see Table..
Table 1, Trailer Weight Ratings
Trailer Weight Ratings* |
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Chassis Model |
Allison Transmission |
Maximum GVWR lbs (kg) |
Maximum GCWR lbs (kg) |
Hitch Type |
Maximum Gross Trailer Weight lbs (kg) |
XC, MC |
1000 MH |
22,000(9988) |
26,000(11 804) |
Weight Carrying |
10,000 (4540) |
Weight Distributing |
12,000 (5448) |
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2100 MH |
26,000(11 804) |
30,000(13 620) |
Weight Carrying |
10,000 (4540) |
|
Weight Distributing |
12,000 (5448) |
||||
2200 MH |
26,000(11 804) |
26,000(11 804) |
Weight Carrying |
10,000 (4540) |
|
Weight Distributing |
12,000 (5448) |
||||
2350 MH |
30,000(13 620) |
30,000(13 620) |
Weight Carrying |
10,000 (4540) |
|
Weight Distributing |
12,000 (5448) |
||||
2500 MH |
33,000(14 982) |
33,000(14 982) |
Weight Carrying |
10,000 (4540) |
|
Weight Distributing |
12,000 (5448) |
||||
2550 MH |
30,000(13 620) |
30,000(13 620) |
Weight Carrying |
10,000 (4540) |
|
Weight Distributing |
12,000 (5448) |
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XC |
3000 MH |
Weight Carrying |
15,000 (6810) |
||
Weight Distributing |
16,000 (7264) |
||||
4000 MH |
Weight Carrying |
15,000 (6810) |
|||
Weight Distributing |
16,000 (7264) |
Table 1, Trailer Weight Ratings
* Values shown are the maximum for each model. Actual vehicle weight and tow ratings may be less, depending on the chassis and body manufacturer's equipment options. Refer to the manufacturer's certification labels for the actual vehicle weight ratings.
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Weight Carrying—Requires a draw bar and hitch ball. The draw bar supports all of the vertical tongue load of the trailer.
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Weight Distributing—Requires an aftermarket weight distributing system, consisting of a draw bar, hitch ball, spring bars, and snap-up brackets. The vertical tongue load of the trailer is distributed between the truck and the trailer by this system.
Important: The towing vehicle's brake system is rated for operation at the GVWR and does not include the towed weight. Separate functional brake systems and wheel chocks must be used for safe driving control and parking of towed vehicles or trailers weighing more than 1500 lbs (681 kg).
The maximum vehicle weight rating and towing capacities are based on the powertrain and chassis equipment options specified on your vehicle. See Table. defines the maximum vehicle and trailer weight ratings according to the vehicle transmission options. The actual vehicle weight and towing capacities of your vehicle may be less due to the chassis and OEM equipment combinations specified by the final stage manufacturer (body builder). Refer to the manufacturer's certification labels for actual vehicle weight ratings.