Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 2006 Land Rover LR3 HSE and 5,000 Pound Trailer
Published 04/20/2012
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Question:
I have a 2006 Land Rover LR3 HSE V8. Its towing capacity is rated at 800# tongue, 8,000# trailer with the Curt hitch receiver and a weight distribution hitch. I am planning on towing a travel trailer weighing a bit less than 5,000# dry. Would a WD hitch like this be overkill? Should I stick with a WD hitch that is closer to the limits of my vehicles capacity?
asked by: Levon
Expert Reply:
In order to find the correct weight distribution system, you will need to know: 1) the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and then add 2) the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
Once you add these together to get the total tongue weight, you will want a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that puts your total tongue weight in the middle. So for a 600 to 1,200 pound system, a tongue weight of 900 pounds would be ideal. If you have a tongue weight at the limit of the vehicle, 800 pounds, then a 600 to 1,200 pound system would still work well. Make sure you do not exceed the capacity of the vehicle.
Based on the dry weight of the trailer, I assume that there will be more weight on it when ready to tow (water tanks, fuel, other accessories) and assuming you will be carrying some weight behind the rear axle in the tow vehicle you could have a tongue weight that falls in that 600 to 1,200 pound range.
The system you have referenced, # RP66084, would be a good choice. This system comes with a shank so you will just need a properly sized ball like # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch, depending on what your coupler takes.
The dual-cam sway control will proactively and aggressively resist the start of sway by forcing the vehicle and trailer to ride in straight line. I have included a link to the installation instructions for the system and an FAQ on weight distribution and sway control.
