Is a 1,200 Pound Weight Distribution System too Big for a Trailer with 500 Pound Dry Tongue Weight

Updated 02/16/2012 | Published 02/15/2012

Question:

Hi there. I have a 2007 Dodge ram 3500 short box diesel and just bought a TT with a dry tongue weight of 500lbs. I also have a Reese Weight Distributing Hitch 1200lbs. My question is is that hitch to big? I think once I load my trailer the TW will increase but I do not want to stiff if a ride? thanks

asked by: Colin C

Expert Reply:

A Reese weight distribution system is going to have a tongue weigh capacity range. The 1,200 pound systems are rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds of tongue weight. The tongue weight will increase once you load the trailer. But, you also have to add the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle to the trailer tongue weight.

So if your trailer tongue weight when loaded is 600 pounds and you have 200 pounds of stuff behind the rear axle of your Ram, that puts the tongue weight at 800 pounds and you would be right where you needed to be.

I have included a link to our weight distribution FAQ article for you.

expert reply by: Michael H