Weight Distribution System Hitch Ball Pressure Increase
Updated 03/05/2019 | Published 03/04/2019
Question:
I have one of these weigh safe units and was checking tongue weights on a couple of our trailers. The tongue weight on both of them was less with the Weight Distribution bars off than it was after they were installed. For example, the one was around 800 lbs without the bars and 1,100 with the bars in place. This seems odd, is the downward force on the ball with the bars in place increased and not actually representative of the tongue weight?
asked by: Jeff C
Expert Reply:
The Weigh Safe 2" and 2-5/16" Hitch Ball w/Built-In Scale # WSUN-1 is not intended to be used with weight distribution systems because the measurement won't be accurate. Your results are not surprising because of the design of both the scale and the weight distribution system. The bars of a weight distribution system are intended to pull the frame down so it will add force to the hitch ball itself. The head unit and bars will help redistribute that tongue weight so there will be less sag on the tow vehicle. In other words, it can increase the pressure on the hitch ball while still removing actual tongue weight.
Imagine putting a bathroom scale on a board and then standing on the scale. You will see your weight, but if you were to reach under the board and pull, the weight would not increase yet the pressure on the scale would definitely give you a larger number.
