Can Vehicle Tongue Weight Capacity be Exceeded for Short Trip before Adding WD System

Updated 04/05/2019 | Published 04/04/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(168)

$569.46

2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 8,000 lbs

(214)

$27.12

2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs

(214)

$29.94

Question:

I will be purchasing a tt with 500 lbs. tongue weight and 4200 lbs . my suv says 400 max without wdh. I am driving home 30 miles . where I will get a wdh and install. is it too usafe to drive or damage vehicle. traveling around 55 mph. which one do you recommend .

asked by: Dennis

Expert Reply:

I know it might not be what you want to hear but I really can't recommend towing your trailer, which has 500 pounds of tongue weight, with your SUV that lists a 400 pound maximum tongue weight without a weight distribution system. Even for a short distance at lower speeds there is still the potential that this vertical weight could damage the hitch or your vehicle and it wouldn't be covered under the manufacturer's warranty.

If you can find a way to hook up a weight distribution system before driving back home this will be your best option.

If the loaded tongue weight of the trailer is 500 pounds I really like the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0800 that will do a great job of evenly distributing weight over the axles of your tow vehicle and trailer for a level ride and drastically reducing sway with its integrated 2-Point Sway Control. It features a 400 to 800 pound tongue weight capacity range which matches your setup perfectly.

The only thing you will need to add is a compatible hitch ball like the 2 inch # EQ91-00-6080 or the 2-5/16 inch # EQ91-00-6100.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this system that you can check out as well.