Should Weight Distribution Hitch be Set Up With Trailer and Vehicle Loaded

Updated 04/23/2020 | Published 04/22/2020

Question:

regarding weight distribution. Do you load weight before or after you hook up distribution bars ?

asked by: Jordan

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution, like the Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System # C17499, for example, should be set up with the trailer and vehicle loaded. This will allow you to make the proper adjustments to the system during the installation.

To get this far, you are going to need to first get the right system, and to determine that you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle.

The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR but you'll want to verify it by using a scale such as the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW falls somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

For example, if your TTW was 700 lbs the Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution # C17499 would work, because it is for TTW between 500 lbs and 800 lbs. If you let me know what your TTW is I would be happy to make a recommendation for you so you can get the correct system.

I have also added links to a couple help articles on weight distribution as well as a link to our entire selection of weight distribution systems.

expert reply by: Kyle S