How Does the Weight of a Weight Distribution System Affect Tongue Weight

Updated 10/04/2021 | Published 10/03/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(56)

$389.47

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

(2639)

$23.44

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

(4010)

$18.98

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit

(175)

$167.32

Question:

Im looking at the recommended hitch receiver for my land rover. Its a Curt Receiver that specifies 600/6000 and w/WD 800/8000. It seems that you guys are the only ones that seem to define total tongue weight to include cargo behind TV rear axel which I understand but does that include the weight of the WD hardware too which can be north of 100 lbs? Obviously, the hardware is not in the cargo space behind TVs rear axel but it surely plays into stress load on the Curt Receiver and WDs operation. Please clarify. Since the curt receiver hitch has a max TW of 800, My trailer has a wet TW of 750 lbs. If I have to include the WD weight it goes up to 850 lbs which is beyond the CURT receivers rating of 800.

asked by: Steve G

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your question about the Curt Hitch Receiver # 13456 for your Land Rover LR3! Weight distribution systems (WDS) can be a bit confusing since they re-adjust how tongue weight is calculated so I'd be happy to help shine some light on this for you!

Pretty much every WDS weighs North of 100 lbs but the weird thing is that this actually won't be taken into account when it comes to tongue weight. I don't know the actual science behind the reason why but the best way that I've been able to look at it is that the WDS is the thing that is readjusting all of the weight so it's almost in this "floating" state if that makes sense. The WDS transfers the tongue weight back and forth evenly between all of the axles so while it does add weight to the overall towing setup, that weight is taken on by both your vehicle and your trailer so it's evenly distributed. Hopefully the attached photo helps put an image to what I'm saying.

This is why when you're figuring out what you can tow it's important to take into account the weight ratings of both your trailer hitch and your vehicle. As long as you aren't exceeding either of those in regards to your loaded trailer weight you will be just fine.

The Steadi-Flex # RP66560 and hitch balls # A-90 and # 19286 referenced in the answer page you were looking at would be a solid choice for your loaded trailer tongue weight of 750 lbs. If you don't already have wiring installed on your LR3 then I recommend the # C59496.