I just bought 2009 Tribute, 2.5i FWD. I am looking at the hitch option, wondering if anyone has the same vehicle and uses it to tow.

I will be moving from Indiana to Florida and can be reimbursed by the government if I move my own stuff (I am in the military). Bottom line the more weight I tow (excludes the vehicle, trailer, and driver) the more I can get reimbursed.

How much does the Mazda hitch weigh? I would need to know this to add to the curb weight of the vehicle right? I called an online shop and they told me a Hidden Hitch is around 35 lbs. The manual talks about the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating). This is the weight of the vehicle + cargo + trailer. The manual says the GCWR is 5040 lbs.

I ran the calcs using a 180 lb driver and a 4x8 uhaul trailer (850 lbs empty). I get a payload of around 600 lbs. This is the weight of cargo only which doesn't seem like a whole lot all said and done.

Am I going about this the right way?

Appreciate any help on this matter.