Hitch step weight limit?

[mindleak]

I'm looking at possibly getting a hitch step (if/when I get my order!) for some extra rear protection as well as I think it would be handy reaching stuff when I eventually get a roof rack and all that.

Now I have a question that might be silly but I can't seem to find an answer.

I know the max tongue weight on the hitch is 220 pounds. But, I currently weigh a bit more than that. Not a lot, but some, lol. The step I'm looking at has a max weight limit of 350 pounds, so no issue there. Should I avoid fully standing on the step? Or just for extended amounts of time? I don't want to damage anything when I can just as easily get a little step ladder or something when I get a roof rack.

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[jofer]

Tongue weight isn't quite the same as how much weight you can safely put on the hitch for a short time

Tongue weight has more to do with the suspension and load on the rear tires during extended towing than it does with how much vertical force the hitch itself can support. Tongue weight is usually 10% of the total towing capacity.

At any rate, I wouldn't stress about stepping up on something attached to the hitch. Don't go crazy, but I doubt you're going to damage it. I'm planning on doing the same thing and I'm not light. Take my advice with a grain of salt, though. I'm just a random person on the internet, after all!

 

[mindleak]

Tongue weight isn't quite the same as his much weight you can safely put on the hitch.

Tongue weight has more to do with the suspension and load on the rear tires during extended towing than it does with how much vertical force the hitch itself can support. Tongue weight is usually 10% of the total towing capacity.

At any rate, I wouldn't stress about stepping up on something attached to the hitch. Don't go crazy, but I doubt you're going to damage it. I'm planning on doing the same thing and I'm not light. Take my advice with a grain of salt, though. I'm just a random person on the internet, after all!

That's kind of what I was thinking based off what info I could find, thank you!

 

[JohnSilver]

So throwing on a 60lb mototote and a 350lb Flatracker bike would be alright. My 2019 kia sorento handled it I can't see how this BS would not be capable of doing the same.

 

[Elegance]

I don't think any human could damage the hitch just by standing on it for a minute. You should be totally fine.

 

[GJarrett]

You'll be fine stepping on it.

The tongue weight limit is way below the weight that it will take simply standing on it. Think about it: 200lbs becomes a LOT more when driving over bumps etc. If you really just weigh "not a lot, just some" over 200 lbs you will be fine - unless you plan to step on it and then jump up and down on it as hard as you can for a thousand times.

 

[MJE]

So throwing on a 60lb mototote and a 350lb Flatracker bike would be alright. My 2019 kia sorento handled it I can't see how this BS would not be capable of doing the same.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-327755.html
If this google is right, depending on model/engine, the Sorento has a fair bit higher tongue weight. Of course if tongue weight is 10% of towing capacity it makes sense, larger car larger engine & all. But then it makes you wonder, beyond OP’s step question, is tongue weight the right number to determine what you can hang off the hitch while driving? I‘d have thought so, but with 200lbs in the BS then you’re limited to a hitch rack & pedal bikes.

 

[JohnSilver]

https://www.etrailer.com/question-327755.html
If this google is right, depending on model/engine, the Sorento has a fair bit higher tongue weight. Of course if tongue weight is 10% of towing capacity it makes sense, larger car larger engine & all. But then it makes you wonder, beyond OP’s step question, is tongue weight the right number to determine what you can hang off the hitch while driving? I‘d have thought so, but with 200lbs in the BS then you’re limited to a hitch rack & pedal bikes.

exactly which doens't make sense, I have the 1.5in RC suspension installed, ground clearance isn't the issue, I stand on the back of my hitch and it doesn't budge, had both my wife and I stand on it and it barely moves (around 350lb the both of us), I have trouble seeing where the issue would be with loading a mid 300lb bike on the back with a 60lb carrier.

 

[Bucko]

I don't think any human could damage the hitch just by standing on it for a minute. You should be totally fine.

This guy may make the BS hitch cry:

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