Rear of Tow Vehicle Still Sags When Using Weight Distribution System
Updated 06/25/2020 | Published 06/24/2020
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Question:
We have a KIA Telluride with a max tow capacity of 5,000 and a tongue max of 500. The travel trailer we have has a tongue weight of 516 , info we were able to track down after our purchase but not too worried about a little overor should I be? , and we are currently using a EZ Lift recurve R3 WD hitch that weights a total of 85lbs and we are using the 600LB distribution bars. With that the rear end of the tow vehicle s about 1.25- 2 inches when everything is hitched up and there is only about 4 inches of clearance in the wheel hub to begin with. Is that normal or should the weight of the hitch have been calculated into the tongue weight, so instead of being 16lbs over I am now roughly 100 with that added. The car pulls fine but the amount of sag is worrisome to me and is there anyway to boost it. very new to the camping and trailering world so any info would be greatly appreciated Thanks
asked by: Terry D
Expert Reply:
If the tongue weight exceeds the manufacturer stated tongue weight capacity of the vehicle, I'd personally be hesitant about towing the trailer with that particular vehicle.
If you do decide to tow the trailer, you'll want to verify the as-towed tongue weight of the travel trailer, which should also include the weight of anything carried in the cargo area of the Telluride behind the rear axle. I'll link you to an article that explains a few ways of doing this, such as a tongue weight scale like # e99044. You need not include the weight of the system in the tongue weight figure.
If that tongue weight exceeds the 600 lb capacity of your system, it won't be effective and you'll want to replace it. If you're within its capacity, I'd revisit the set up procedure. Tilting the weight distribution rearward will provide more lift, which it sounds like you need so definitely recheck your adjustment.
Because travel trailers are highly susceptible to trailer sway caused by crosswinds and turbulence from passing or oncoming traffic, I'd highly recommend you go with a weight distribution system with a sway control component like the Fastway # FA94-00-0800. The Fastway system is designed for trailer tongue weights ranging from 400-800 lbs, which is right where you need it for your travel trailer. The system doesn't include the trailer ball, so you'll need # A-90 for a 2 inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.
