Weight Distribution Recommendation for Trailer With 3800 lb Dry Weight

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Question:

We have a trailer with dry weight of 3700 lbs, unsure of tongue weight but well have 2 tall propane tanks 8 gallon + battery so Im guessing 500 lbs. We are looking at the Reese 10000 lb model, is this too much or is there such a thing as too much? Just need to know were using the right weight. Thanks!

asked by: Pam

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Expert Reply:

As a first step, you really should determine the trailer's tongue weight when it's fully loaded and ready to tow. This would make it much easier to choose the correct system for your needs. I'll link you to a help article that shows a couple of ways to do this, but a tongue weight scale like the etrailer scale # e99044 would be an easy way to figure out your tongue weight.

An 8 gallon propane tank weighs about 33 lbs, and a battery around 40 lbs, so you're looking at roughly 100 lbs or so. Added to the 3700 lb dry weight of the trailer, that puts you at about 3800 lbs. Since a trailer's tongue weight is between 10-15% of it's fully loaded weight, the try tongue weight could be as much as 570 lbs, and this is before you add any cargo. The Curt # C17062 you'd looked at has a tongue weight capacity of 800-1000 lbs, so this would very likely be rated too high, which would be ineffective and would provide a very rough ride.

I believe a system rated for up to 800 lbs like the Curt # C17051 would be a good choice for you. This system doesn't include a friction sway control unit like the kit you'd looked at, but you can add one using part # 17200. This system would be ideal for trailers with fully loaded tongue weighs ranging from about 400-800 lbs, which is the range where yours would likely fall.

I've linked some product and installation videos for you.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

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 2

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 3

Welcome back Belinda! The Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch w Sway Control - 4" Drop/Rise - 16K GTW, 1.6K TW #AN33VR may work for towing your Grand Design Imagine XLS23LDE with your F-250. However, when we tested it a while back, we didn't…

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Answer 4

This is a great choice Joe and thanks for reaching out! Weigh Safe True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch #WS49MR would be a good match for your setup. Since your Grand Design toy hauler will have a loaded tongue weight between 1,300 and 1,600 lbs, this…

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Answer 5

Hi Mike; we don't have a way to swap out the 2" ball on the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch #AN88VR. We do have the 2-5/16" ball separately, #AN45VR, but we don't have it as a complete system. If you really want the Andersen,…

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Answer 6

Welcome back Don! The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control item #EQ37120ET is exactly what I would recommend using. This is a solid reliable system and the built in sway control will make a noticeable improvement in ride…

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Answer 7

Hey Rex! Those are some great questions. A weight distribution hitch (WDH) isn't always needed but in your case you will want one. Typically if the weight of your trailer is more than 50% of the weight of your vehicle it is a good idea to use a…

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Answer 8

Hey Michael! When you're choosing a weight distribution hitch the most important factor is the tongue weight of the trailer. It looks like the dry/unloaded tongue weight of a Brinkley Z Air 297 is 924 lbs. Once you add batteries and propane you…

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Answer 9

Hey Michelle! There are definitely a lot of different weight distribution hitch (WDH) options out there. The most important thing is to make sure it is properly rated for the tongue weight of your setup. Looking at the specs for the 2022 Keystone…

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Answer 10

Hi James! With your GVWR being 7,600 pounds, your loaded tongue weight should be around 760 pounds. With that said, I recommend going with the Weigh Safe True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch - 2" Shank - 6" Drop - 8.5K GTW, 850 lbs TW…

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Answer 11

Hey Frank. I can give you the dimensions of the shank on the B&W Continuum item #BW28FR but you're going to need to take the measurements on your Silverado 3500 to confirm the tailgate will open. From the hitch pin hole to the center of the…

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Answer 12

There sure is K.C.. For a shorter weight distribution shank that fits a 2-1/2" hitch, I recommend the Equal-i-zer item #EQ90-02-4700. This shank measures 12" long x 9-1/2" tall. It provides up to a 3" drop and has a 16,000 lbs…

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Weight Distribution Recommendation for Trailer With 3800 lb Dry Weight

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