How Do I Determine If A 10000lb Rated Weight Distribution Hitch Will Work W/ My 7000lb Cargo Trailer

Published 09/25/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 7-Hole Shank - 8K GTW, 800 lbs TW

(199)

$759.00

Blue Ox 2-Point Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 6-Hole Shank - 12K GTW, 1.2K TW

(50)

$438.85

Question:

I saw that you recomended the BLU47FR to someone with a 7,000GVW trailer. I was wondering if it would be a problem if I used the BXW1275 10,000LB with my 7,000GVW trailer? I was thinking that if I got a bigger trailer the BXW1275 would still work and I wouldnt have to purchase a new unit. Thank You

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help!

Actually to find the correct weight distribution hitch for your cargo trailer with a 7000lb GVWR you will want to find its total tongue weight, as that will tell you which weight spring bars you need to properly redistribute the weight.

Total tongue weight is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. The easiest way to get an accurate tongue weight measurement is with a tongue weight scale such as the etrailer # e99044 but there are other methods outlined in the included help article.

Since your trailer has a GVWR of 7000lbs and tongue weight is typically 10-15% of the trailer weight you should expect to have 700-1050lbs of tongue weight with the trailer loaded to the GVWR.

The Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BLU47FR you mentioned works with total tongue weights between 600-800lbs so it would be OK if you were on the light end of the tongue weight range.

If your tongue weight is above 800lbs then you need to step up to another system such as the Blue Ox 2-Point Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BLU75FR you mentioned which works with total tongue weight between 800-1200lbs.

Ideally you want the total tongue weight of your setup to fall in the middle of the range for the hitch you choose for the best ride quality, and stick with a system designed around your total tongue weight. A system rated too high for your tongue weight will cause a very stiff ride, where a system that is under rated will not distribute weight properly if at all rendering it pretty useless.

I included a video of the # BLU47FR and a link to the written instructions of the # BLU75FR for you to take a look at.