Weight Distribution Tips for Use with a 2013 Ford Explorer with Factory Tow Package
Updated 09/05/2013 | Published 09/04/2013
Question:
Hi. First off, I love your website and have gather tons of knowledge regarding towing, hitches, and everything in between. I do have some additional questions regarding tongue weight and capacity on my tow vehicle. I have a 2013 Ford Explorer. I have the factory tow package, which gives me a 5k LBS tow capacity and 500 LB tongue max with a WD hitch. I am looking to buy a used travel trailer for the family. There were a few QandA threads regarding hitch, trailer brake that I have read up on. However, before I buy the Pro-series WD hitch and the trailer for that matter, I was hoping to confirm a few things. My concern centers around the tongue weight. I think I would be exceeding the 500 LB tongue weight of my Explorer given that my toddlers occupy the 3rd row, which sits just behind the rear axle. Per the thread I have to calculate the gross tongue weight of the trailer, plus any weight behind the rear axle of my Explorer to get the final tongue weight. I have weighed my Explorer with family and most of the stuff we would normally travel with. We weigh right at 5240. The Explorers GVCW is 10160, which leaves us about 4700 available to tow a trailer. The trailer I am looking at has a GVWR of 4640 and I intend to be well below that. I am still waiting to confirm the dry weight, but I think it is right around 3500 lbs. I intend to confirm the dry hitch weight this weekend, but based upon newer models, I would expect it to be right around 350-400 lbs within the 10-15. That said, can I safely tow this trailer due to the tongue weight concern? Assuming the trailer loaded is 4000 and hitch weight is 400. I would be within my tow capabilities and GVCW. However, my toddlers in the third row weigh about 150 combined with car seats and some toys. 500 max tongue capacity less 150 for kids = 350 available for trailer. A 400 gross hitch weight from the trailer puts me 50 pounds over. Am I correct that I am over and unsafe? Do I have to include the 100 pounds of the WD hitch or will the WD hitch distribute the weight and make this safe to tow? Could I simply get a WD rated for 600-750 pound tongue? Your expert insight is greatly appreciated before buying!
asked by: Brett
Expert Reply:
You are correct about calculating tongue weight when using a weight distribution system. Weight added to the vehicle behind the rear axle gets added to the trailer tongue weight.
You are very close and could potentially be over the tongue weight capacity of the vehicle when loaded and ready to tow. However there is something that you can do to remedy this situation and still tow the trailer you want. If you are able to move any weight on the trailer further back in/on the trailer, this will reduce the tongue weight. Moving weight in the vehicle forward of the rear axle will also reduce the total tongue weight.
The weight of the weight distribution system is not factored in primarily because it is doing the work. You would not go with a higher rated system because it would create a stiff ride and the system would be ineffective. And at higher capacities (using a very heavy system on a light trailer) it can damage the trailer frame.
Also the vehicle tongue weight capacity is static, set in stone. It is 500 pounds no matter what and cannot be increased. You have to stay under that limit.
If you are unable to reduce the weight enough then I do recommend looking at a lighter trailer. You do not want any doubt in situations like this especially with your loved ones in the back of the vehicle. I have included some links on tongue weight and weight distribution for you to view.
