Why is the Weight of Cargo Behind the Rear Axle Added to the Trailer Tongue Weight
Updated 05/22/2013 | Published 05/19/2013
Question:
This statement is on your website... Remember that any cargo you load behind the rear axle of the Denali needs to be added to the trailer tongue weight, Putting weight in side a truck box, in front of, on top of, or behind the rear axles does NOT increase trailer tongue weight. Trailer tongue weight is the weight placed on the end of the tongue at the ball by the weight of the trailer and the cargo.
asked by: Doug
Expert Reply:
Weight that is behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle DOES count against the tongue weight capacity of the hitch when we are talking about weight distribution. It is not normally a concern if you are not using weight distribution.
The reason is that any weight behind the rear axle affects the performance of the spring bars in a weight distribution set up. Because the added weight does affect the spring bars, you need to know the tongue weight of the trailer plus the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle to get the right capacity spring bars. Spring bars rated too low will be ineffective.
I have included a link to our FAQ article on determining tongue weight and a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control for you.
