Does Weight Behind Rear Axle of Tow Vehicle Count as Tongue Weight only with Weight Distribution
Updated 05/05/2025 | Published 03/30/2019
Question:
Although I understand that, for purposes of selecting the correct weight distribution hitch, that cargo weight behind the rear axle of the two vehicle must be counted as tongue weight for the purpose of selecting the correct hitch, I am unclear as to whether such cargo weight also counts as tongue weight for the general consideration of loading trailer such that no more than 10-15 of gross trailer weight is on tongue? For example, if my gross trailer weight is 7,000 lbs, and my unhooked tongue weight on scale is 1,050 lbs 15 of trailer weight, does my cargo weight behind axle, lets say 300 pounds truck topper, canoe on racks, stuff in bed, count toward the target of not exceeding 15 of gross trailer weight being on tongue, in which case I would now be at 19? If so, this would complicate loading considerations by requiring me to shift cargo to front of rear axle even though I am within the bounds of the WD hitch I would be using 1.5k/15k. Or, is the rule of thumb concerning not having more than 15 of gross trailer weight on tongue independent of WD considerations? Or, am I being too OCD about loading, and 19 on tongue isnt really an issue? Or, have I missed something altogether? Tow vehicle is 2019 F350 SRW, sway bar + WD hitch. Thanks again you all have been phenomenal at providing concise, accurate answers to all of our questions.
asked by: Lewis B
Expert Reply:
This is a really good question that I would be happy to help clear up for you. So the additional weight behind the rear axle from cargo gets counted as tongue weight when picking out a weight distribution system, but it does not also need to be considered as tongue weight for either the trailer hitch's capacity or trying to get the tongue weight to be between 10 and 15 percent of total trailer weight. Basically it only is factored with a WD system because the WD system seeks to even out the sag of the vehicle suspension and weight behind the rear axle greatly affects rear suspension sag.
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Marianne
5/4/2025
thank you. I'm pulling a lightvtravel trailer with my '19 outback & its 200lb tongue weight max is a menace lol. Glad to know I can actally use all of my vehicle's cargo area/transfer stuff. (I'm well below my payload limit. But 85%-90%of towing capacity).