bing tracking image

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. 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!
Save or Share This Idea
Related ArticlesWritten by: Amber S Updated by: Jacob J Updated: 12/12/2023
Steve W. profile picture

Steve W.

5/23/2025

I’m missing something. Maybe the 800 lb Reese chain link WDH is too small. I can’t stop trailer bounce. I thought it was my truck but now drive a 2500 ram and tow a travel trailer that’s 5000 dry weight. I did adjust the ball height to compensate for the new truck. Certain roads are fine but it happens often. Should the ball be slightly at an angle or is this WDH too old (2008)? Thanks

Robin H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Robin H.

5/25/2025

@SteveW could need one with a higher rating, can't say for sure. As long as it is in good shape the age doesn't matter, and as long as you're level the ball position is fine. Every setup is different. If it is like the # RP66541 it is rated for 450-800 lbs of tongue weight so depending on your GVWR, how the trailer is loaded, and what you have behind the rear axle you could have a higher tongue weight. It might just be the way your trailer is loaded. Tongue weight should be 10-15% of your loaded trailer weight. You can use a scale like the # BTBRV27FR to find your tongue weight and get a better idea. If you're way off that would explain the trailer bounce and changing how it is loaded will help get it under control.
Elden profile picture

Elden

8/12/2024

What if you're pulling multiple different trailers and they all have different tongue weights, GVWR's, etc.? Do you go with the hitch that will have the highest weight rating you may encounter?

Kyle S. profile picture

Kyle S.

8/13/2024

@Elden Ideally you still always want your loaded tongue weights to be in the middle range of the capacity of the hitch. So in the case where there's multiple trailers, you can either get a couple different hitches (not ideal), or go with one that has the widest possible range of tongue weight capacity. For example, the Strait-Line Weight Distribution # RP66084 is for loaded tongue weights between 600 lbs and 1,200 lbs, or the B&W Continuum Weight Distribution # BW78FR is for loaded tongue weights between 600 lbs and 1,600 lbs.
Tom N. profile picture

Tom N.

4/8/2024

Looking for WDH for a 2018 Explorer XLT pulling a 20 foot car hauler loaded with ATVs. Trailer weight is approximately 4000 pounds. My confusion comes from the fact that the trailer has a 7000 pound gross. Should the WDH be rated for the trailer gross or the weight of the trailer as loaded?

Andy profile picture

Andy

3/11/2024

When determining tongue weight must you include the additional weight of the Weight Distribution Hitch itself? A WDH easily adds 100 pounds to your tongue weight and could definitely cause you to exceed the tongue weight rating of your vehicle’s hitch. Let’s say your vehicle is rated at a max tongue weight of 500 pounds and your trailer’s tongue weight is 450 pounds then you will exceed the limit by 50 pounds with a WDH installed.

Christina profile picture

Christina

3/5/2024

Hi new this this travel trailer stuff, looking for weight distribution hitch for: Trailer Dry 5975 GVWR 10872 hitch weight 712, Thanks!

Jon G. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jon G.

3/5/2024

@Christina For your trailer with a GVWR of 10,872 lbs I recommend the 16K Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ64FR. The 16K rating sounds like too much but we actually base the weight distribution system rating off of the loaded tongue weight instead of just the weight of the trailer. The 1,200 lbs - 1,600 lbs tongue weight range for this system is perfect for your trailer.