Is a Weight Distribution System Required for Towing a 3,000 lb Trailer

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Question:

Is an equalizer hitch needed to tow a 3000 lb trailer?

asked by: Klaus

0

Expert Reply:

Any time you are towing a trailer that has a fully loaded weigh that is over 50 percent of the vehicle's gross weight, a weight distribution system is recommended.

If your vehicle weighs less than 6,000 lbs, a weight distribution system and trailer brakes should be used when towing a 3,000 lb trailer.

Assuming that the 3000 lb figure you mentioned represents the fully loaded and ready to tow weight of the trailer, the tongue weight will be between 300-450 lbs, plus the weight of any cargo carried behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle, whether it be in a truck bed or the cargo area of an SUV. You'll use this tongue weight figure to choose the weight capacity of the system.

The type of system you choose will depend on the type of trailer you're towing. Flat bed or utility trailers aren't typically susceptible to trailer sway if they're correctly loaded. If that's the type of trailer you have, a basic system like the Reese # RP65509 round bar system which is rated for tongue weights from 200-600 lbs would work great for you.

If you have a travel trailer or an enclosed cargo trailer, the tall sides will make it very vulnerable to sway cause by cross winds and passing or oncoming traffic. Using a weight distribution system with sway control is recommended. The Fastway # FA92-00-0600 system is rated for tongue weights between 250-600 lbs, and combines weight distribution with sway control that's effective on mild to moderate trailer sway.

Neither hitch includes the trailer ball. For a 2 inch ball, use # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

expert reply by: Robert G

0

Steve S.

1/24/2020

HI I have an 2011 f 150 crew cab with 3.7 v6 and a travel trailer with gvwr of 3675 lb and hitch weight of 360lbs . do I need a weight dist. hitch?

Reply

Jacob H.

1/24/2020

You are not required to have a weight distribution hitch. They are designed to help take some of the weight off of the back of the truck and to help with trailer sway. If you are having a problem with one or the other we have systems to help enhance both. These would be suspension enhancement and friction sway control. If you are not having an issue with weight or sway, I would say your set up is ok.

Helpful Links

Accessories-and-Parts/Curt/17200.html

Accessories-and-Parts/Reese/83660.html

dept-pg-Weight_Distribution.aspx

susp-2011_Ford_F-150.htm

Reply

Manny

4/17/2024

I have Intech Sol Dawn dry 2700, full 3500, TW 300lbs. My vehicle is Lexus GX460, with Curt class3 tow hitch 500lbs capacity TW, do I need WDH. I’m just using Reese friction sway bar, is that enough. I change my bump stop to Timbren SES, to help sag, keep debating. I bought Camco Eaz Lift R3 curve, was thinking that’s over kill. Debating to return the WDH or use it.

Reply

Jon G.

5/14/2024

@Manny Our recommendation is to use a WDH whenever the trailer is at least half of the curb weight (unloaded weight) of the vehicle. Since this is the case with your towing setup I do recommend using a WDH system. The Timbren SES will help make your setup look more level, but it doesn't actually redistribute the loaded tongue weight among all of the axles involved in the towing setup like what a WDH does. Be sure your WDH is rated for the loaded tongue weight of your trailer as well as any cargo that will be sitting behind the rear axle of your Lexus as that will affect all of this as well.

Reply

Joshua M.

6/10/2025

I have a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder SV with tow capacity, I bought a pop up camper, a 2014 Flaggstaff Mac, max weight is 3200 but around 2400 is trailer weight... I notice trailer bouncing and pushing car back and forth when braking. Should I get a WDH, and what would be the type of hitch or tongue hitch should I use? It currently has a 1 7/8 ball hitch. I'm very new to pop up campers and pulling and trailers.

Reply

Jameson C.

6/10/2025

@JoshuaM Is the trailer sitting level and is there as much cargo weight slid forward in the trailer as possible? Those two things are normally the biggest factors for the type of behavior you described so that would be what I would check first. You want to have the trailer tongue weight to be between 10 and 15 percent of the total trailer weight.

Reply

Answer 1

Hey Kayla, You can absolutely use the #C57DR with your vehicle. This is not considered a weight distribution hitch so it is going to be a great add on to reduce the sway on your Volkswagen. It not only includes the friction sway bar, but also a shock…

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Answer 2

The 113/108 L is the load index which is normally translated to pounds capacity. For instance the 113 is 2,535 lbs maximum capacity and 108 is 2,205 lbs. For instance the Westlake ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D #274-000012 has a…

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Answer 3

Hey Andy, welcome back! The last time we spoke you were looking at the Stealth Hitch item #391AUDQ818T. If this is what you ended up installing on your Audi Q8 then no you will not be able to use the Curt Shock Absorbing Towing Kit w Sway Control,…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

Hello Joseph, I'm glad to hear that the ones for your Suburban were such a great fit! For your 2022 Nissan Armada, they do not make a custom-fit option. After reviewing the universal towing mirrors, the CIPA Universal Towing Mirrors - Clip On -…

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Answer 6

Since your trailer is very close to 5,000 lbs your total tongue weight is very likely to exceed the 600 lb capacity of the 6k weight distribution hitch, so what you need is the 8,000 lb hitch, and I recommend the Fastway e2 (which is made by…

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Answer 7

I would be happy to help you. We hear this complaint quite often about dealerships not wanting to install after market wiring for random reasons because they want you to purchase theirs usually. The Curt Shock Absorbing Towing Kit w/ Sway Control and…

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Answer 8

For a trailer with an aluminum frame, the use of weight distribution comes down to the trailer manufacturer, to the strength of the frame, like you said, and its ability to handle the stress of weight distribution. It sounds like they are saying not…

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Answer 9

Yes, we do have a set of tow mirrors for your 2020 Nissan Frontier. They are the CIPA Universal Towing Mirrors - Clip On - Qty 2 item #7070-2. This mirrors mount on your factory side-view mirrors to extend your lines of sight. The mirror face…

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Answer 10

Due to the front section of your trailer A-frame you will need to use a Pole-Tongue Adapter #EQ95-01-5950 that needs to be mounted between 27-32" back from the hitch ball center. You will need to check and see if this will fit with your propane…

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Answer 11

If the rear end of your vehicle sags significantly when the trailer is hooked up then you could have an unsafe condition and your front end and tires will not wear properly. The weight is taken off of the front wheels of the vehicle and can cause…

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Answer 12

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW Item #FA92-00-0600 weighs approximately 75 pounds when you add a ball such as #A-90 for a 2 inch or #19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. Keep in mind that the weight…

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Is a Weight Distribution System Required for Towing a 3,000 lb Trailer

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