Does Trailer Hitch Capacity Allow Towing More Weight Than 2008 jeep Compass 4 X 4 Capacity

Question:

I am wanting to put a hitch on my 2008 Jeep Compass 4X4 North Edition. It has a towing weight of 1500 - 2000 pnds I believe. I am interested in a 2 inch as the 1 1/4 will limit the trailer/camper I can pull. My question is the Class III hitches have a tongue weight higher than recommended for a Jeep. Can it be used without harm?

asked by: Michelle

Expert Reply:

When towing with your 2008 Jeep Compass 4 X 4, you will never want to exceed the towing weight capacity of the vehicle listed by the manufacturer. from the information I was able to find, if you have the towing package, your vehicle can tow up to 2,000 lbs with a tongue weight of 225 lbs. If you do not have the towing package I found the towing capacity is 1,000 lbs and has a tongue weight capaity of 150 lbs.

Hitches are made with the towing capacity and tongue weight capacity that many times is much higher than the capacity of the vehicle they are installed on. This does not raise the towing capacity of the vehicle.

For your Compass I recommend the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, part # 75712. This is the Class lll hitch and has a 2 inch receiver opening.

The ball mount kit I recommend is the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit, part # 989899. This includes 2 ball mounts, 2 balls, the pin and clip and a handy storage bag. I have attached a product review video for this kit you can check out.

If you are towing with your Compass and do not have a connector at the rear of your vehicle I recommend the Vehicle Wiring, part # C59496. Everything including the circuit tester is included with this wiring kit.