Should Weight of Items in Truck Bed Be Considered Tongue Weight When Choosing Weight Distribution

Updated 08/11/2021 | Published 08/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

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$24.72

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

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Question:

I have a 2020 f150 lariat. My guestion is does the cargo weight in the bed of my truck add to tongue weight? Thank you

asked by: Thomas

Expert Reply:

When you're determining the trailer's tongue weight in order to choose the correctly rated weight distribution system for your needs, you will want to include the weight of anything in the truck bed BEHIND THE REAR AXLE as tongue weight. So, determine the trailer's loaded up and ready to go tongue weight (see linked article that shows how to do this) and add the weight of anything behind the rear axle in the truck's bed to that figure which is what you'd use to find the correctly rated system for your needs.

If you find your trailer's fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight plus the weight of anything behind the rear axle adds up to between 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs, then the Reese # RP66074 Strait-Line system you'd looked at would work great for you. You will also need a trailer ball. I'd recommend part # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball. You'll also need a weight distribution shank like part # RP3215 which would offer up to a 5-3/4 inch drop or a 11-1/2 inch rise.

expert reply by: Mike L