Recommended Weight Distribution System for 16-Foot Tandem Axle Enclosed Trailer

Updated 08/04/2015 | Published 08/03/2015

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity

(811)

$232.90

Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(614)

$609.95

Question:

Hi, I am getting ready to move from Kansas to Alaska and will be pulling a 7 x 16 v-nose dual axle trailer that whole distance. I estimate the weight of the loaded trailer will be approximately 6,000 - 7,000 lbs. I am looking for a weight distribution hitch that will be sufficient for this trip. I dont want anything super expensive or fancy as I dont plan to do much heavy towing after this, but I do want something that will help even out the weight on the axles and help with sway on this trip. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

asked by: Drew A

Expert Reply:

Selection of a suitable weight distribution (WD) system requires you to know your trailer's actual fully-loaded tongue weight (TW). Gross weight is not enough. You'll want to measure your trailer's fully-loaded tongue weight (TW) and add to that the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that will sit behind the rear axle, such as a generator or loaded cooler. With this total TW you can choose a system rated high enough to move some TW forward onto the front axle without being so stiff that it creates odd handling. We offer a handy scale, part # e99044, that makes measuring easy but other methods are outlined in the linked article.

You can then use the linked page to see all WD systems with sway prevention. Click on your total TW figure and choose your type of brakes, electric or hydraulic, to view suitable systems. Let's say you have electric brakes and 800-lbs of total TW. A cost-effective choice is the Curt TruTrack # C17500.

expert reply by: Adam R