Does Carrying ATV in Truck Bed Affect Weight Distribution System When Towing
Published 11/10/2016
Question:
Getting ready to buy a tongue trailer and weight distribution hitch. What I seem to have problems finding is this.... I will tow with a pick up....using weight distribution with the trailer returned to normal height. Sometimes I will tow the same trailer but I will put an ATV quad in the truck bed, about 800lbs....can you tell me what I need to keep the truck level? ie, would I use different weight distribution bars for an unloaded truck and a different set when the ATV is in the truck?
asked by: Bruce C
Expert Reply:
The weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of a tow vehicle is to be counted as tongue weight when picking out/setting up a weight distribution system. It really depends on the tongue weight of the trailer but you may have to buy a second set of spring bars or if you happen to fall in the lower range of a system like the part # RP66084 which has a 600-1,200 lb tongue weight range you may just have to set the system up with lower spring bar tension when not carrying the ATV and then more when carrying it.
