Will A Weight Distribution Hitch Help For A Tongue Weight Overage?  

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Hey Geoff, a weight distribution hitch will effectively reduce the amount of tongue weight on your hitch. Spring bars will instead help to distribute that weight more evenly between the rear axle of the vehicle and the trailers axle. It sounds like you are pushing the truck close to its limit as far as tongue weight, so a weight distribution hitch will certainly help the situation. Especially if the tongue weight overage is negatively affecting your ride quality, it will definitely be a good idea to add a WD hitch.

In fact, many class 3 or class 4 trailer hitches actually list a slightly higher tongue weight capacity and towing capacity when used with a weight distribution hitch. I am not sure exactly what model of trailer hitch you have, but you will want to make sure it is rated for use with a weight distribution hitch. If it is, it may actually have a higher TW capacity with a WD hitch installed.

Looking at the available options for a trailer with 790 (or lets call it 800) lbs of tongue weight, I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch # FA94-00-1061. This is made for trailers with a tongue weight between 600 and 1,000 lbs. So you really will be right in the middle or the sweet spot to where you will see good effective weight distribution. The E2 hitch also weighs only about 80 lbs, so not too much additional tongue weight will be added. Obviously we generally do not recommend exceeding your vehicles specified tongue weight rating, but since you already are, a WD hitch is going to help your cause.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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