2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size

For the best ride, you'll need a weight distribution hitch designed for your trailer's tongue weight. If you choose a WDH that is too light for your application, the hitch won't be effective. If you go too heavy, however, you'll suffer a rigid ride and a bouncy trailer.

So how do you find that Goldilocks weight distribution hitch that's just right? Check out our video how-to, or read on below for a step-by-step explanation on finding the right weight distribution hitch size.

Truck pulling a camper with a weight distribution hitch.

Watch Now: How to Find the Right Size Weight Distribution Hitch

Diagram with arrow pointing to trailer tongue of camper being pulled by a truck.

Diagram with arrow pointing to truck bed of truck hauling a camper.

Example Part I:

Let's say our trailer tongue weight is 700 lbs and our cargo behind the rear axle is 200 lbs. Our total tongue weight is 900 lbs.

Step 1. Determine Your Total Tongue Weight

First, you need to figure out your loaded trailer tongue weight (TW). Your tongue weight is the downward force you're putting on the ball of the weight distribution setup with your loaded trailer, plus the weight of any gear behind the rear axle of your vehicle.

Note that this is not the dry (unloaded) weight listed on your trailer spec sheet, but rather the fully loaded, ready-to-tow weight after you've packed in all the gear you want to carry.

To determine your trailer tongue weight, you can use a scale like the etrailer tongue weight scale. Weigh Safe also offers a ball mount with a built-in scale. You can also use one of the other methods outlined in our help article, Determining Trailer Tongue Weight.

Also add in the weight of any cargo (gear, coolers, luggage, etc.) you've added behind your rear axle.

This sum will be the total tongue weight you have to work with.

Truck pulling camper with a green checkmark above the trailer tongue.

Step 2. Select a System with the Right Weight Capacity

We've broken out our weight distribution hitches by tongue weight on our website for your convenience. Once you have your tongue weight figure, simply select your TW from the list and choose a system.

Pro tip: It's best that your total tongue weight (sum of your trailer tongue weight and cargo) falls in the middle of your WDH range. This gives you a bit of wiggle room if your tongue weight varies between trips.

For example, if your total tongue weight is about 1,000 lbs, a weight distribution hitch with a tongue weight rating of 800 - 1,200 lbs is ideal.

Still have questions?

Give our experts a call at 800-298-8924, or contact us online. We're happy to assist any way we can!

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Written by: Amber S.

Updated: 5/7/19

Lou V.

8/16/2022

I have a 2002 Toyota Tundra, V8, 4.7 liters, with towing capacity of 7200 Lbs. Tongue capacity of 720 Lbs. My camper weighs approximately 4500 Gross weight .I’m looking at the Huskey 32218 Center Line TS with Spring Bars - 800 lb. to 1,200 lb. Tongue Weight Capacity (2-5/16" Ball) Am I on right direction or is this more than I need? Thank you Lou

David B.

8/17/2022

It would be nice to know the exact tongue weight of the trailer Lou. I really can't give you a good range without knowing that. At 4500 pounds your tongue weight should be 10-15% of that so 675lbs at max and that may be a little low for the WD hitch. If you can find out the exact tongue weight I can get you specific details.

Lou V.

8/17/2022

Tongue weight of Hitch is 445 lbs

David B.

8/18/2022

With a tongue weight of 445 I would go with the Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 7-Hole Shank - 6K GTW, 600 lbs TW # BLU36FR . The center line is a good WD hitch but 800lbs tongue weight at the low end will be to much and end up being counter productive.

Les D.

8/8/2022

I have a 2015 Heartland mallard m28 The gross weight is 6900 lbs The trailer dry weight is 6125 What type would you recommend

David B.

8/8/2022

Before I can make any suggestions I would need to know the exact tongue weight of the trailer. I suggest you borrow or get a scale like etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity # e99044 . This will let you know the tongue weight then we can find a good fit for your needs. You could even use a bathroom style scale to find out your tongue weight. I will link you to an article that will walk you through how to set it up.

Helpful Links

faq-how-to-determine-trailer-tongue-weight.aspx#:~:text=place%20the%20trailer%20tongue%201,when%20you%20weigh%20your%20trailer

Dave S.

2/27/2022

Good morning, I have a 2019 Dodge Ram crew cab v6 bighorn. Online says tow capacity 7,730lbs. I’m going to be towing a 2022 Colman Lantern 214BH. Dry weight 4,544lbs GVWR 7,600 I believe I’m going to need weight distribution bars, I’m not sure which one I should go with. Are you able to help me.

Les D.

2/28/2022

First thing I would do is look at that sticker in the drivers door jamb where it tells your trucks cargo/payload capacity. This is where most folks blow the budget at. Also, find the official towing capacity. Finally, let us know which model you have. Classic or New Style, 1500, 2500, 3500? If all of that checks out, your tongue weight should be no more than 1000 pounds. From that I would recommend the Equalizer # EQ37121ET weight distribution hitch with sway control. Let me know what you find out.

Dave S.

2/28/2022

@LesD new style 1500 GVWR 6900 1722 cargo

Les D.

3/1/2022

@DaveS you say your trailer maximum weight is 7600 pounds. and that your truck is rated to tow 7730 pounds. Many would like a 10-20 percent cushion. It will work, but you will be a member of the "Highway Slow Lane Club". You also mention that your cargo/payload capacity is 1722 pounds. Your tongue weight will be around 912 pounds which leaves you (1722-912=810) 810 pounds for other stuff in the cab and bed like people, animals, kayaks, bikes, coolers, etc. Again, it will be close. Would be nice if your truck stated the GCVWR (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating) which is the maximum weight of loaded truck and loaded trailer. Just the same, my sway/WD hitch recommendation stands.

See All (5) Replies to Dave S. ∨

Dwayne

2/5/2022

Hi there, I have a Rv trailer with GVW 7600 lbs and a tongue weight of 706. Is it true when the unit is shipped they don’t calculate the batteries and propane tanks as tongue weight? You have add this in after? Also I’m looking at buying a new E4 sway control set up. After I’m done figuring this out, should I be Using a 10,000 lbs with 1000 tongue max or going a little heavier to be at the half way point on the tongue with the following 12,000 lbs 1200 tongue max. Would it make a difference in handling? Thanks everyone

Les D.

2/7/2022

@Dwayne you are correct that a RV trailer's GVWR does not include dealer add ons like batteries and propane tanks. Batteries weigh around 50 pounds each, and 20 pound propane tanks weigh nearly 40 pounds each.

Dwayne

2/7/2022

@LesD so if I am 900-1000 pounds tongue weight approximately I should go with the E4 hitch 1200 lbs tongue 12,000 lbs max towing? Not the 1000lbs tongue 10,000lbs max towing. Going a little bigger won’t affect the handling? The E4 hitch 12,000 lbs one is rated 800-1200 tongue weight correct? Thanks so much!

Les D.

2/7/2022

Missing first piece of information - what is the GVWR of your trailer. This is the maximum allowed weight of the trailer and all contents, AND the battery and propane. You will find a sticker on your trailer (usually front drivers side) Once you have this weight we can calculate the 10-15% tongue weight it should be exerting. THEN we can find the right hitch for you. Sounds like you have a bigger trailer, so you definitely need a weight distribution hitch with sway control built in.

See All (7) Replies to Dwayne ∨

Steph G.

1/3/2022

I have a 2016 Jayco Jayfeather 20XTG with a dry weight of 3,981lbs, GVWR of 4,950 lbs, and a dry hitch weight of 370 lbs. I tow with a 2019 GMC Canyon crew cab 4WD with a tow capacity of 7,000 lbs. What size weight distribution hitch system should I get for this combo?

Les D.

1/4/2022

@ StephG if your GVWR is 4950 pounds, then your tongue weight will be around 12%, or 600 pounds, which is the figure to choose your WD hitch by. I would recommend the Equal-I-Zer # EQ37060ET WD system rated for 600 pounds tongue weight, and a 6000 pound trailer, with 4-point sway control. This will work with your electric brakes and allows backing up the trailer like most chain type WDH's.

Chris W.

12/10/2021

I have a 2019 Ram 2500 with the Cummins 6.7. My truck is rated to pull 19k lbs. I have a 8.5'x20' v-nose trailer (7k GVWR) I will be pulling with our Harleys inside. I also will be purchasing a 35' to 40' toy hauler in the near future. I definitely want a WDH but what i need to know is, can I pull the 20' box trailer with the WDH that I use for the toy hauler. I've found conflicting info online about using a heavier WDH, ie. 1700 tongue weight, with a lighter trailer. I was looking at the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - Underslung - 20K GTW, 2K TW Item # BXW2003. Will this work ok for both trailers or do I need to purchase 2 separate dedicated WDHs? Thanks!

Les D.

12/10/2021

Chances are unlikely that your hitch shank will have the same setup. You may even need a different size hitch ball. These parts are thread locked and torqued into place at a specific height. You are not going to want to change these more than once a year. Your two trailers are much different weights so they will need different spring bars depending on the weight of your trailers and their tongue weights. Finally, the big chain cams are also bolted to the trailer frame as well. For these reasons you are not going to be able to use one WDH for these two different weight trailers. Your 7000 pound trailer will have a tongue weight of 10-15% of your GVWR, or 700-1050 pounds. Use the Blue Ox BXW1500 weight distribution hitch. This will require a square trailer frame channel rather than a c-frame. This hitch will give you weight distribution as well as sway control. If your tow hauler weighs 13,000, then your tongue weight will be 1300-1950 pounds which will require different parts. When you are finally settled on one specific model, let me know.

Helpful Links

tv-review-blue-ox-swaypro-weight-distribution-bxw1000.aspx

Jonathan

12/3/2021

Hi! I’m not sure which model i would need, just bought this Trailer; 2020 Wildwood Platinum FSX 22.9”, Tongue weight 495 lbs, GVWR 4.790 lbs. Truck - 2018 Chevy Colorado Z71 Duramax 4x4 Max Towing Capacity 7.700 lbs, my Colorado hitch says maximum tongue weight 900 lbs. What weight distribution hitch do you recommend? Thanks in advance.

Les D.

12/6/2021

Since your trailers maximum weight will be 4790 pounds, and your tongue weight will be 10-15%, or 479-718 pounds, I would recommend a weight distribution hitch designed for tongue weights up to 718 pounds. I recommend 4-point over 2-point designs, and solid L-bracket connections over chain connections so you will not have issues backing up. With this in mind I recommend the Reese # RP66559 Steadi-Flex WD system.

Nicholas M.

7/20/2021

Looking to update my weight distribution system on my 2012 Keystone Passport Ultra Lite 3180RE. GVWR 7,500, TW 720 + 200-300lb equipment in trunk of trailer and behind axel on truck. Have Air Lift LoadLifter bags installed to prevent squat (not sure if this matters). I purchased the BXW2000 SwayPro system. Is there an issue to have distribution bars that are rated for over the TW?

Jon G.

7/21/2021

If the loaded TW of your trailer is 720 lbs and then you have 200 - 300 lbs of cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle this means you want to shoot for a WDS with a range that 1,000 lbs falls about in the middle of. I would say that the SwayPro # BXW2000 is a bit much for your application. The great thing about the SwayPro though is that all of those WDS use the same equipment. To lower the TW range all you have to do is use their lower-rated bars which you can find with part # BXW4008 . This would allow you to easily handle your current setup (and then some) plus by keeping the larger bars you can just swap those out if you ever decide to get a bigger trailer.

Corrie R.

7/5/2021

Hi! I have a 2010 21' Dutchmen travel trailer. Which hitch do it pitch on my 2007 4x4 Tahoe? Thanks! 4300 lbs dry, 5400 gvwr. my Tahoe hitch says maximum tongue weight 600lbs and weight distribution is 1000.

Jon G.

7/7/2021

For your setup I'd go with the Blue Ox SwayPro # BLU66FR .

Corrie R.

7/7/2021

@JonG Thanks so much! I'm grateful for your suggestion and will be looking into it.

Dennis J.

6/28/2021

Trailer -2018 Airstream International 31’ GVWR 10,000lbs Truck - 2020 Chevy 3500 Duramax 4x4 High Country Recent loads trip weight at cat scale Truck only - steer axle 5120lb —- drive axle 4300lb —- total 9420lb Add trailer w/o WD Steer axle 4660lb —- drive axle 5760 ——- total —— 10,420lb Adding the trailer added 1000 lb total for tongue weight Redistributed 460lb from steering axle to drive axle Cargo weight behind drive axle is 300lb Add WD 1000lb tw equalizer hitch Redistributed 200 lb back to steering axel and 100 lb back to trailer axles Truck and trailer set within 1/4 inch of being level I think the 1000 lb hitch is too light for tw and cargo. Is that a correct assumption? We have had no sway issues with the equalizer hitch I am considering switching to the blue ox sway pro. I would like your opinion on the information I provided and the blue ox sway pro. Than you,

Jon G.

6/28/2021

If your trailer GVWR is 10,000 lbs then a WD rated for 1,000 lbs TW is too light. You need to take into account any cargo weight behind the rear axle of your Chevy to your loaded TW and then get a WD that has a TW range your number falls in the middle of. For your application you want to go with the SwayPro # BXW1503 , which is an excellent WD system by the way.

Dennis J.

6/28/2021

The BXW1503 indicates it is for underslung couplers. The Airstream is not. What is the correct model number? Thanks again.

Jon G.

6/28/2021

@DennisJ Part # BXW1500 would be the alternative.

Jb H.

6/27/2021

Hi, Recently purchased 2015 starcraft launch. specs are as follows dry weight 2725, payload capacity 1025, GVWR is 3750, hitch weight is 380 (trailer tongue is marked 700 and 5000 gross weight). What is set-up I need for towing? Thanks for your help

Jon G.

6/27/2021

For your application I'd go with the TrackPro # BLU47FR . This will allow you to hit your max trailer tongue weight and still give you some capacity to put some weight behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle.

Darcy L.

5/28/2021

New travel trailer owner here! Our spec sheet for it says 360 lb tongue weight, 3990 lb dry and 5500 lbs gvwr. We are pulling with a 2018 Nissan Armada. We are looking for a weight distribution hitch with possible away control. Not sure what all we would need. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Jon G.

5/28/2021

For your application I recommend checking out the Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW0750 .

Ken N.

5/21/2021

I have a trailer dry weight 5392LBS GVWR 6995 LBS. I am pulling with a 2020 silverado 1500 my payload behind rear axle about 200 lbs and I usually have 4 adults in the truck cab. what weight distribution hitch do you recommend.

Jon G.

5/24/2021

With the GVWR of your trailer being about 7,000 lbs and you having 200 lbs in the back of your truck (I'm assuming you meant it was behind your rear axle like what the article talks about) then You'll need a system with a tongue weight of at least 900 lbs. I recommend checking out the TrackPro # BLU55FR .

Bob F.

2/21/2022

@JonG I have a similar GVWR of about 7,000 lbs but typically load 2-300 lbs in truck box ahead of rear axle with nothing behind it. Should I be looking at the same set up as recommended or is the 800 lb TW set up okay?

Les D.

2/22/2022

@BobF First, in the drivers door jamb is a sticker that will tell you your truck's capacities. "Max Payload" is the total of all things loaded in the truck including the tongue weight, passengers, coolers, firewood, bikes, etc. "Gross Combined Weight Rating" is the total of your fully loaded truck plus your fully loaded trailer. These are the areas where most trucks fail to qualify. If those numbers work out then we can decide on a Weight Distribution (WD) Hitch. Since your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 7000 - this is the most your trailer can ever weigh. This means your tongue weight will be 10-15% of GVWR, or 700-1000 pounds. I would recommend the Equalizer EQ37100ET WD system. (This assumes you have a 2 inch square receiver.)

Kenneth H.

5/15/2021

My camper is 5800 dry weight, but the manufacturer says the tongue weight is 460lbs. I'm pulling with a F150 and a V8. What weight distribution hitch do you reccomend?

Jon G.

5/17/2021

What is the GVWR of the camper?

Natalia

5/4/2021

Hello, not sure which model i would need. my trailer specs are: GVWR 6000, Gross Dry 4602, Dry Hitch 474. I have a 2016 Lincoln Navigator L. Can anyone help? thank you

Jon G.

5/5/2021

I recommend checking out the Blue Ox TrackPro # BLU47FR which has a tongue weight rating of 600 lbs - 800 lbs that will be right in the range of your loaded trailer.

Jerry

4/14/2021

Recently purchased 2019 camper trailer. Gross weight 4720. Hitch weight 270 with 30 gal water tank in front of camper or potentials for another 250 lbs close to hitch. Not a big camper but wife owns a Tacoma and I own a Colorado so after driving an F 350 forever it appears a sway bar system may be in order. Recommendations? Thanks,

Jon G.

4/14/2021

For you I'd go with the TrackPro # BLU47FR . Once you get your truck and trailer fully loaded your weight rating should fall right in line with the 600 lbs - 800 lbs tongue weight range for this setup.

Richard C.

4/13/2021

I am looking for a Weight distribution hitch with sway control. I have a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado lt 1500 4x4 pulling a 31” zeppelin z291 dry weight 2100. Idn witch one I would need any help is appreciated

Jon G.

4/14/2021

@RichardC For your trailer setup I recommend checking out the Blue Ox TrackPro # BLU36FR .

David S.

4/11/2021

I am purchasing a 36' Sandstorm toy hauler with 1555lb. tongue weight and 14000lb. total weight loaded. not sure what hitch I need.

Jon G.

4/12/2021

Is the 1,555 lb tongue weight the dry tongue weight or the loaded tongue weight?

David S.

4/12/2021

@JonG Does not specify loaded or unloaded.

Jon G.

4/14/2021

@DavidS If that's the spec that the manufacturer lists then that would mean unloaded (or dry). I would look into either the Equal-i-zer # EQ64FR for your application. You will want to verify that your loaded tongue weight plus the weight of any cargo behind your rear axle falls within that 1,200 lbs - 1,600 lbs range though.

Mike C.

4/10/2021

we have an East to West 35 ft trailer that has empty TW of 930# The weight of contents behind rear axle of pickup and front storage compartment in trailer is 360#'s. Our current hitch is an eaz-lift with 1200# bars and dual friction bars. we get considerable sway from wind and when trucks pass us on the interstate. have read the Equilizer, Blue Ox, and Reese info. Which WDH and sway control system would be best for our situation?

Jon G.

4/12/2021

I personally really like the Reese Strait-Line system but before changing systems I think it would be best to check how you have everything set up. While it will be virtually impossible to completely eliminate any sway when a truck passes you, if you make sure that your trailer is loaded correctly and that your WDH isn't overloaded then you shouldn't have sever sway when a truck passes. First start off by making sure the tongue weight of your trailer is 10-15% of the weight of the trailer. This will make the biggest impact when it comes to trailer performance. Once you have your trailer loaded correctly then we can make sure that the loaded tongue weight and the weight behind the rear axle of your truck is about in the middle of the tongue weight range of your WDH. If you can give me these numbers then I can see what we have that will work best for your application.

Mike C.

4/13/2021

@JonG Weighed across scales at local farmers coop. Trailer loaded weighes 9000# and TW is 1360.

Jon G.

4/14/2021

@MikeC For your application I'd check out the Equal-i-zer # EQ64FR .

Bryan J.

4/1/2021

I pull a trailer for a local high school marching band that just purchased a new bigger trailer. I would like to get a weight distribution system but I am not sure of what the tongue weight would be and the trailer gets loaded different everytime, with that being said is it OK to go for a higher number TW to error on the side of caution?

Kef G.

4/1/2021

@BryanJ The problem with shooting high with the tongue weight capacities of WD systems is that if you happen to have a system that is rated for tongue weights higher that your trailer's, it will create a very harsh, stiff ride. I recommend waiting until you know what the tongue weight will be. Even if it's loaded differently every time, it will still probably have a range that one of our WD systems can handle.

Zach S.

4/1/2021

I have a Jayni hybrid camper spec sheet for it says 400 lb tongue weight. 3500 lbs gvwr. I’m pulling with a half ton truck. It is a 2 inch ball. I’m looking for a weight distribution hitch with a sway control set up just for a smoother ride in the truck. Any suggestions?

Kef G.

4/1/2021

@ZachS I recommend the Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control. part # BLU36FR . It is compatible with 2" receivers and can handle tongue weights between 200 and 600 pounds. It has a 2" ball.

Don M.

3/22/2021

I have a Freedom Express Liberty Edition 292 on order. In the process of finding the correct weight distribution hitch. The unloaded tongue weight is 848 lbs., unloaded vehicle weight is 6622 lbs. , and a gross vehicle weight is 7800 lbs. With two full propane tanks, battery, and supplies in the forward storage compartment I'm guessing a Blue Ox Track Pro BXW 1050 10,000 GTW/1,000 TW would be to little. The next hitch they have is a BXW1350 13,000 GTW/ 1.300 TW. Is that to much hitch for that travel trailer?

Kef G.

3/24/2021

With an unloaded tongue weight of 848 pounds, you'll want a WD system that can handle 800 - 1000 pounds. The Blue Ox TrackPro # BLU77FR will be a great option for you.

Rick C.

9/9/2020

I recently purchased a hybrid camper trailer as an upgrade from our Jayco tent trailer. The camper trailer weighs about 2700 lbs and has an estimated tongue weight of 300 lbs. I will be towing this trailer with a Ford Edge that has a 3500 lbs tow limit and has a factory installed Class 3 hitch. I am considering getting a weight distribution hitch for this set up to ensure smooth towing and i have access to a Curt 17000 round bar weight distribution hitch. Is this hitch a good match for my intended application? Per the information on this Curt hitch, the suggested gross trailer weight is 5000-6000 lbs (with spring bars) and am concerned that this hitch might be too big for my intended application. Appreciate your comments.

Jon G.

9/11/2020

I believe that you're talking about the Curt MV 3 C17050 weight distribution system. This should actually be pretty decent for your setup because you add the loaded tongue weight of your trailer and any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle and compare that to the tongue weight range of the weight distribution system. The only thing you'll want to be sure about is that your loaded trailer won't be overloading your Ford Edge. The 2,700 lbs sounds more like an unloaded weight rating which means you have 800 lbs of cargo you can add before you're at max capacity.

Daniel W.

8/23/2020

I will be towing a 31 ft. trailer that has 886 lb. hitch weight,unloaded weight with battery and full LP tanks at 7788 lbs,cargo weight limit 2212 lbs, and gross weight limit of 10,000 lbs. I carry 700-1200 lbs in truck bed- F-350 long bed. What size weight distribution hitch should i go with?

Jon G.

8/28/2020

The correct weight distribution (WD) system is one with a tongue weight (TW) rating that your total tongue weight (loaded tongue weight of trailer plus cargo behind rear axle of tow vehicle) falls in the middle of. Just from the numbers that you're throwing out here I'm thinking you need at least the Blue Ow SwayPro # BXW2000 which fits a 2-1/2" receiver and has a TW range of 1,500 - 2,000 lbs. If you can get me more solid numbers for your loaded trailer tongue weight (be sure to keep it 10-15% of your loaded trailer weight) and how much weight you'll have behind your rear axle on your F-250 I can make sure that the SwayPro is the best option for you.

Kat

8/18/2020

I bought the E2 Fastway 92-00-0600 (6000 lbs, 600 TW) to pull my travel trailer (3400ish dry weight, 485 TW). I then had my 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited pulling it (very short trips). Since then I bought a truck to pull the TT. It's a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. Will my E2 work with this truck? Or do I need to upgrade to a bigger tongue weight?

Jon G.

8/28/2020

You're good to keep your current weight distribution system. A weight distribution system is actually only related to the trailer weight and has nothing to do with the tow vehicle. The only time the tow vehicle becomes a factor is if you need to use a longer shank to compensate for a vehicle that sits higher.

Javid P.

6/17/2020

Need help in determining what size WDH I need for a 20' car hauler GVWR 7000? I haul various cars and trucks so it is not one standard.

Chris R.

6/21/2020

For that size trailer the Husky CenterLine # HT32218 is a really good option. It offers a pretty large tongue weight capacity range of 800 to 1,200 pounds, so regardless of how you load up the car hauler it'll fall within the system's comfort zone.

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