Is The Weight Of A Weight Distribution System Added To The Tow Vehicle Or The Trailer Weight?

Updated 03/21/2017 | Published 03/20/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(840)

$697.65

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(87)

$251.05

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(148)

$259.82

Question:

I have a 2011 Toyota 4runner with a factory 500 lb capacity receiver hitch. Assuming the Equalizer hitch weights about 100 lb, when its properly connected to a trailer, do I add that 100 lb. to the tow vehicle wt or the trailer wt? If I add the 100 lb. to the hitch weight it exceeds the 500 lb max. for the 4runner.

asked by: Steve A

Helpful Expert Reply:

When calculating the tongue weight of a weight distribution system, you do add the weight of the unit itself to the vehicle. So for your 2011 Toyota 4Runner with factory hitch receiver, you will add the 100 lb Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW # EQ37100ET to the tongue weight rating of the vehicle and specifically to the trailer hitch receiver's tongue weight rating. This weight however is offset as soon as you engage the system in most cases.

For instance, hitch # 75155 has a tongue weight rating of 600 lbs but when using a weight distribution system it is rated for 730 lbs. Many hitches will have this type of a different rating, however there are a few that do not like # 13445.

expert reply by: Jason S