Determining Tongue Weight to Choose Weight Distribution System

Updated 06/09/2018 | Published 06/08/2018

Question:

Is listed tongue weight given on the manufacturers spec for the camper account for an extra battery, filled propane tanks, and changing from 20 pound tanks to 30. Specs list camper I am going to purchase as having 535 tongue weight but I am adding the battery and changing tanks. Old camper has tongue weight of 336 on their spec sheet and spring bar with one small round bump. Should I buy next level up bars?

asked by: Dan S

Expert Reply:

For weight distribution you want it to be rated to handle the tongue weight of your trailer when it's loaded. The tongue weight listed the trailer's spec sheet is always going to be its dry tongue weight because the loaded tongue weigth varies depending on how much is loaded and how it's loaded. In addition you also need to add in any weight that's stored in the back of your tow vehicle behind the rear axle because this acts as tongue weight on a weight distribution system. Ultimately, you want your loaded trailer's tongue weight and the weight behind the tow vehicle's rear axle added together to fall in the middle of the system's range.

I recommend you load your trailer like you're going to be towing it and weigh it using a tongue weight scale, part # e99044, or one of the other methods outlined in the attached article so you know exactly what it is. Then add in the weight behind the vehicle's rear axle to determine which system you need.

If you can give me the weights once you find them I'd be happy to make a recomendation on a system for you.

expert reply by: Charles S