Does Weight Distribution Lower Tongue Weight on Hitch of Tow Vehicle
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Question:
Hello, we just purchased a 2017 Forrest River Wildwood 28DBUD travel trailer with an advertised TW of 805 pounds unloaded. We will be pulling it with a 2013 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Rock Warrior that has a max TW rating of 1010 pounds. We usually put 4 bikes over the tailgate that total 100 pounds, and will soon be taking the trailer loaded to the scales to get the actual trailer TW. My question is concerning the max TW of the Tundra. If the TW of the trailer along with the total weight behind the axle exceeds this amount, does a weight distribution system help in a reduction of this weight? The trailer has a large under trailer compartment that we will use for storage and would add to the trailers TW and I anticipate the combined TW to exceed the 1010 pound limit. Is this the best hitch for my application? Could I spend less money on a similar hitch? This is my first time using a WDH and need some guidance in ing the correct one. Of course, we are leaving on a trip September 2nd, so o need to order the system ASAP. Thanks in advance for your help!
asked by: Matt M
Expert Reply:
Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better.
That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to tow beyond the capacities of the vehicle. The tension on the spring bars essentially lifts up on the tongue, figuratively "holding" some of the tongue's weight. This causes a shift in the distribution of the weight off of the vehicle's rear axle to all of the axles in the entire setup. Typically though there is a second higher capacity for the hitch for when weight distribution is used. You would need to check for that figure and be sure that the loaded tongue weight does not exceed this figure if you install a WD system.
If your tongue weight was right at 1,000 lbs the Equalizer Kit part # EQ37120ET that you referenced would be a great setup to use. This systems comes with a hitch ball but you would need a thin walled socked like part # ALL643216 to install it.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
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on Weight Distribution Hitch
Craig
8/7/2020
I used your help articles to get my tongue weight. I went to a local CAT weigh station to get my weights. Not sure I (maybe them) did it wrong/right?? My 2016 Jeep Cherokee V6 w/factory tow package has a Max Tongue: 450lbs. I thought that was alot. My 2019 Viking Saga has a Max Tongue: 2100lbs, so I'm good there. HOWEVER..... Here are my numbers. 1st Weigh connected on separate plates (scales) Jeep: 4780 Camper: 2800 Gross: 7580 2nd Weigh disconnected on separate plates (scales) Jeep: 4220 Camper: 3360 Gross: 7580 This makes my tongue weight at 560lbs and 110lbs OVER!! Need your help. Did I screw up the calculation or ??? I think I need to take some weight out of the trailer? I know I can mount my spare tire on the back bumper (didn't come w/a spare) maybe a few other items moved toward the back of the trailer. Do I need a WDH?