How to Pick Out a Weight Distribution System for a Truck with a 6 inch Lift

Published 01/06/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Weight Distribution Shank - 14" Long - 7" or 7-1/2" Drop - 1,500 lbs TW

(57)

$162.55

Curt Weight Distribution Shank - 12" Long - 15-3/4" or 16-1/4" Drop - 1,500 lbs TW

(47)

$171.45

Question:

I have a Toyota Tundra with a 6inch suspension lift. I am trying to tow a trailer loaded with ~6,000 lb. tractor. I dont know the exact GTW but the trailer has 2-1,500 lb. axles so Im estimating around 9,000-10,000 lbs. When I tried towing it the first time it almost bottomed out my rear suspension on my truck and lifted the front end so far up I saw it unfit to try to tow it. I am trying to determine the best suited weight distribution system to use for this application.

asked by: Bryan H

Expert Reply:

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well.

Once you figure out the loaded tongue weight of your setup check out the link I attached to see all of the systems we carry. You will need to select your tongue weight from the filters and all of the properly rated systems will be listed.

Ideally you want to pick a system that your tongue weight will fall right in the middle of.

Since you have such a large lift on your trailer you will need to upgrade the shank of the system to a larger drop shank so that your trailer can be towed level. I attached an FAQ on how to pick the right ball mount to tow a trailer level.

Most likely you will need the shank part # C17122 that can do up to 7 inches of drop or the # C17125 that can do up to 15-3/4 inches of drop. All of the WD systems in the link I previously mentioned don't have a shank currently so you won't be buying more parts than you need.

expert reply by: Jameson C