What Happens if Trailer Tongue Weight is 500lbs and Weight Distribution System is Rated For 1000lbs
Updated 05/10/2024 | Published 12/12/2013
Question:
What is the affect if I have a hitch rated for 1000 lb tongue weight and all my trailer ends up being is 500 lbs? What are the concerns?
asked by: HW O
Expert Reply:
Some weight distribution systems have a tongue weight capacity range and if the tongue weight is in that range it will still be effective. If the system is only rated for 1,000 pounds and there is no range and you have 500 pounds on it you will experience a stiffer ride and it will not be as effective as it could be.
In extreme cases the trailer can get damaged because the spring bar tension is so great compared to the weight of the trailer. But you should not be concerned about that because 500 pounds on a 1000 pound system is not that bad at all.
I do recommend either increasing the tongue weight by moving some weight forward on the trailer or getting lower capacity spring bars that are better suited for your trailer tongue weight. If you can tell me the system you have I can determine if there are spring bars available and if any other parts are needed.
You can also reduce the tension on the spring bars be changing the angle of the head or, if the bars hang from chains, increasing the links.
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Gary
5/10/2024
I just picked up a 2022 Gulfstream Conquest 248bh Dry weight 3899, payload weight 3601. And hitch weight of 500 I have a 2013 Dodge ram 1500 it has air bag system on it. Which weight distribution of lbs I should use 800 / 8000 or 1000 / 10000 or other I have only had bigger 5th wheels and Motor homes , down sizing now.