Does Curt MV Weight Distribution System C17050 Work Over a Range of Trailer Tongue Weight

Updated 10/11/2016 | Published 10/10/2016

Question:

in the product discription the weight range is from 300 to 600 lbs. does this mean that it will work for anything in that range? Im pulling a 2016 winnebago max weight 3800 lbs with a 2015 chevy colorado 4 cyl. Is this the correct poduct for my application?

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution systems like the Curt MV Weight Distribution System # C17050 are specified to work over a range of trailer tongue weights (TW). This system is rated for TW from 500 to 600-lbs.

Ideally the total TW of the trailer/vehicle system will fall right near the middle of a WD system's operating range. This Curt system would then be ideal for a total TW of 550-575-lbs. The total TW of a trailer/vehicle system is the sum of the actual fully-loaded trailer's TW plus the weight of anything in the vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator. This total TW is what you want to use to select a system. Again, the total TW should be near the middle of the system's operating range. Based on your trailer's GVWR of 3800-lbs, its TW should be right around 570-lbs.

We offer a handy scale for measuring TW, part # e99044, but other methods are outlined in the linked article. Knowing your actual total TW will let you select a system stiff enough to shift TW forward to the tow vehicle's front axle (what you want) but without being so stiff that it creates weird handling from the trailer.

You will also want to note that some WD systems use larger brackets than others and they need to mount to the trailer frame in a specific range of locations, usually a range of 5 or 6 inches. As you review systems keep in mind how much clearance you have on the a-frame. The linked article and video on WD system will be of interest.

expert reply by: Adam R