Determination of Total Tongue Weight for Selection of Weight Distribution System

Updated 12/10/2018 | Published 12/08/2018

Question:

Tongue weight ...and adding to that weight, the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. Behind the rear axle ... does that mean on the area toward the front of the tow vehicle or does that mean the area toward the tailgate? Im a newbie getting organized for ing/towing a travel trailer behind my 2016 Tacoma double cab 4WD AT. Your site has been a wonderful tool in helping me find my way. This is my first request for specific help. Thanks!

asked by: Roger R

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are asking about the tongue weight (TW) calculation for selection of a trailer weight distribution hitch (WD) like the Curt TruTrack # C17500.

The weight of any cargo items behind the rear axle in the bed of a truck needs to be added to the TW of the loaded trailer when selecting a weight distribution hitch. This means cargo weight that is on the tailgate side of the rear axle. Often this will an item like a cooler or a generator.

The total TW of a towing system consists of the trailer's own loaded tongue weight, as measured by a scale # e99044, plus the cargo weight. This combined weight will ideally fall in the middle of the system's operating range. The TruTrack # C17500 is designed for use with towing setups that have a total combined TW of 800- to 1000-lbs. This means that this specific WD hitch would be perfect for a total TW of 900-lbs.

expert reply by: Adam R