Recommended Weight Distribution System for a Trailer with Tongue Weight of 500-600 lbs

Published 06/09/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(178)

$405.79

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Shank - 12" Long - 12-1/2" Rise 9-3/4" Drop - 1.2K TW

(73)

$167.96

Question:

Thank you for your response. One concern I have is in the specs it shows "Maximum drop: 1-5/8" from top of hitch receiver opening" For the trailer to tow level I need ~ 6" drop. I have a 6" drop ball mount now, and the trailer is level when hooked up. The Navigator has automatic air suspension so there is no "sag" at the rear and should be the same with or without WDH. Is this spec incorrect, or is there another system I would need to get to give me 6" of drop for the hitch ball? Thank you,

asked by: Brandon

Expert Reply:

You always want to check your weight ratings and how much your equipment weighs before going on a trip to make sure that you are within your weight capacities. Another thing to keep in mind is that your Tongue Weight (TW) should be between 10-15 percent of your trailer.

When looking at a WD system you will want to make sure that the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your loaded and ready-to-go setup falls in the middle of the range of the WD system that you choose. You can find your TTW by adding the TW of your loaded and ready-to-go trailer plus any weight behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. You can find your TW using a Tongue Weight Scale # e99044.

Out of the Pro Series Weight Distribution System # PS49582 and the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution # FA94-00-0800 I recommend going with the Fastway e2. The Pro Series option has a weight range of 550-750 lbs of TW so if your setup is at 500 lbs then the Pro Series WD will make your ride too stiff. The other thing is that you will have to disconnect the friction anti-sway bar when you would like to backup.

The Fastway e2 has a weight range of 400-800 lbs which is better suited for a TW of 500-600 lbs, plus it will allow you to backup without having to get out of your vehicle to disconnect anything.

If you figure out the TTW of your setup and it is not within the 500-600 lb range just let me know what it is and I can make some recommendations for you.

expert reply by: Jon G

Brandon

6/9/2017

Jon G.

6/9/2017

You can purchase a shank that will give you the proper Drop that you need. The Fastway e2 # FA92-02-4315 has a max Drop of 8 inches so it will be the perfect solution for you.