Adding Weight Carried Behind Tow Vehicle Rear Axle to Tongue Weight for Weight Distribution System

Updated 02/06/2017 | Published 02/04/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - Underslung - 3.5K GTW, 350 lbs TW

(54)

$898.95

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 7.5K GTW, 750 lbs TW

(473)

$891.05

Question:

What do u mean by adding any wt mounted behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle when determining total tw

asked by: H M

Expert Reply:

When you measure tongue weight you are measuring the downward pressure that is put on trailer hitch and, ultimately, your vehicle's chassis. A weight distribution system helps to evenly distribute the weight between the front and rear axles. To pick a weight distribution (WD) system, you will need to know how much weight is behind the rear axle so that you can pick a WD system that can handle all of that weight.

For example, let's say that you have measured your tongue weight and it measures 325 lbs so you are going to get the Blue Ox WD System # BXW0353 which can handle 350 lbs tongue weight. This WD system will work unless you plan on putting other equipment in the back of your vehicle, like if you put a couple of coolers and some camping gear which will all weigh well over 25 lbs. That will then increase your tongue weight and you will need to use a WD system that is rated for a higher tongue weight, like part # BXW0756. As long as the Total Tongue Weight and Trailer Weight are within the specs for the WD system, the system will work well for you.

expert reply by: Jon G