Recommended Weight Distribution for Trailer Tongue Weight of 2194 lbs.

Updated 01/16/2018 | Published 01/15/2018

Products Featured in This Question

TorkLift SuperHitch Everest Weight Distribution System - No Shank - 30,000 lbs GTW, 3,000 lbs TW

(6)

$1994.43

Adjustable Shank for TorkLift SuperHitch Everest Weight Distribution - 12-1/2" - 30,000 lbs

(2)

$437.83

Question:

So I have an unusual question that I am getting conflicting information on. I have a trailer with a tongue weight of 2194lb. The ball coupler welded onto the trailer has a weight rating of 2100lb. Can I use a weight distribution hitch? I think that when you attach the chains for the distribution hitch the force on the ball coupler increases. So my 2194lb number will increase even though we are not adding any weight, but we are adding force. Does this make sense?

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

When you use a weight distribution system, it does not add more weight to the ball or the coupler, It disperses the weight across the frame so the trailer will handle better. This doesn't mean you can use a coupler rated for less weight than what your trailer can handle. Couplers aren't normally rated for tongue weight, so are you sure it doesn't specify 21000 lbs towing capacity versus 2100 lbs tongue weight capacity? Either way, you know your loaded tongue weight is 2194 lbs so if you can't adjust that by moving weight inside the trailer, you will have 3 points of load bearing and not 1 due to the brackets and spring bars pulling the weight to those other two points in addition to the ball/coupler.

We only have one weight distribution system rated for this kind of weight. It is the TorkLift SuperHitch Everest Weight Distribution System # TLWD1000 which requires a special shank # TLM9010 and a special TorkLift Trailer Hitch Receiver. If you let me know your year/make/model of truck I can help with the correct trailer hitch for this system.

expert reply by: Jason S