Would 1,000 lb Tongue Weight Rating for Weight Distribution Be Too High for 4,400 lb Trailer

Published 11/20/2017

Question:

I recently purchased a travel trailer and the dealer installed a Fastway E2 weight distribution hitch with 10,000 lb. rating. The dry weight of our trailer is about 4400 lbs so I assume with payload about 4800-5000 lbs. After reading about proper sizing, Im wondering if I should replace the bars with a lower weight rating that more closely matches the weight of our trailer? It seems like a very stiff ride and I feel every gust of wind while towing. Would lighter rated bars help with that? If so, what is the proper formula to order the correct weight rating?

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

For your trailer that has a dry weight of 4,400 lbs the 10,000 lb rated system will be too high. It would give you a rough ride quality like you mentioned. The 6k kit part # FA94-00-0600 would be the better choice as long as your tongue weight doesn't get above 600 lb.

expert reply by: Jameson C