Hitch weight limit 08 Aspen
 

Hello folks! I just discovered this form and it looks great! I have a question about the hitch weight limit on a '08 Aspen Hemi Limited with the factory Tow package. I want to add a motorcycle carrier to the hitch (not a trailer). My bike is just under 500 pounds and the carrier is about 100 pounds. I can't seem to find what the actual weight limit is for the hitch receiver. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

You're talking about the Tongue Weight (TW). 10-15% of the gross trailer weight can/should be carried as TW per the owner's manual, which gets you in the neighborhood of 900-1,300 pounds based on a 8,700 gross trailer weight rating w/4WD. Check your manual and redo the calcs to make sure you agree before trying it!

TRAILER HITCH CLASSIFICATIONS
Class - Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.)
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)

You vehicle tow rating will depend on the Vehicle model, engine, trans, axle ratio, tow package, etc.

Look for the Equipment Identification Sticker to identify your vehicle's Axle Ratio.
Tongue Weight is an important consideration. The recommended tongue weight is between 10 & 15% of the trailer weight. However, the maximum tongue weight on Class III (The bumper ball) is limited to 500 lbs, and Class IV (The receiver hitch) to 1200 lbs.This requirement overrides any recommended GTW rating, between 10% and 15% of gross trailer weight (GTW). Additionally, the GAWRs and GVWRs should never be exceeded.

Secure payload to prevent shifting of weight during braking, acceleration, cornering, or bumps, etc. If loads shift during dynamic conditions, load distribution could change resulting in an unsafe condition, or could exceed limits of recommended tongue weight. Incorrect tongue weight could result in increased yaw or vehicle instability. A negative tongue weight could unload the rear suspension of the tow vehicle decreasing vehicle stability. Negative tongue weight could cause the trailer to squat and potentially become disengaged from the tow vehicle resulting in a runaway trailer condition.

The vehicle owner's manual also has details on proper towing.

If you don't have one, you can download an owners manual at chrysler.com