Will Rear Suspension Enhancement Springs Increase the Tongue Weight Capacity of a Vehicle

Updated 07/02/2014 | Published 07/01/2014

Question:

I have purchased a small travel trailer that I will be towing with my 2008 Lincoln MKX. The trailer will weigh about 3100 lbs fully loaded, but may have a tongue weight of 375 lbs fully equipped. My MKX has a max towing capacity of 3500 lbs and a max tongue weight of 350. If I install these will it help increase my tongue weight capacity? http://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Lincoln/MKX/2014/CSS-1094R.html?vehicleid=201419629

asked by: Robert B

Expert Reply:

Rear suspension enhancement will not increase the tongue weight capacity of a vehicle. They will only reduce the amount of sag in the rear suspension. I looked up the owners manual for your 2008 MKX and it looks like the maximum tongue weight capacity for your vehicle 350 lbs no matter what additional components are used. My recommendation would be to reduce the tongue weight on the trailer. If your travel trailer has anything mounted on the tongue such as propane tanks or storage bins, I recommend moving them to the rear of the trailer. You could also try shifting any of the cargo in the trailer toward the rear of the trailer to reduce the tongue weight.

expert reply by: John H