How Much Weight Gets Transferred To Trailer Axles and Vehicle Front Axle with Weight Distribution

Updated 08/12/2014 | Published 08/11/2014

Question:

I have a weight distributing hitch with a tongue weight of 800 lbs. In the article I read, it states the weight is distributed to both truck and trailer axles. My question is, how much weight is placed on the trailer axles?

asked by: Roger

Helpful Expert Reply:

The key to weight distribution is not to have an exact percentage of the weight transferred to either of the axles. The whole goal behind all of if it is to have your tow vehicle sit as level as possible so that it will brake and handle the best possible. Since that is the goal and different vehicles have different spring rates and wheelbases the percentages distributed to each axle won't be uniform between setups.

An exact figure can't be given although some claim that when properly setup 33 percent will be on the trailer axle, 33 percent on the tongue weight, and 33 percent on the front axle. However, this isn't accurate due to slight variances in the setup can cause all the figures to be all over the place.

expert reply by: Jameson C