Can a Husky Weight Distribution Head be Bent because it was Overloaded

Question:

I was inspecting my system as we start the new season off and I found the head to be bent. Its a Husky 31516 and I would need to replace it. But I question if I have exceeded the capacity of the head. I have a 2006 Gulf Steam that has GVWR of 7480 pounds. It also says 3500 GAWR front and 3500 GAWR rear. Not sure what that means. Please advise.

asked by: Bob S

Expert Reply:

The GAWR is the gross axle weight rating so you have two 3,500 pound axles which adds up to 7,000 pounds meaning the remaining weight of the trailer is carried by the tow vehicle. Trailer tongue weight is usually 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. If the trailer was loaded to the full 7,480 pounds that would be 748 to 1,122 pounds tongue weight.

But you also have to factor in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. So if you had 100 pounds of gear behind the rear axle and a trailer tongue weight of 750 pounds the total tongue weight would be 850 pounds.

I doubt that you overloaded the head, # HT31516, but if there was too much tension on the spring bars that can cause some issues. Likewise, if the spring bars are rated too high that can also cause problems.

I recommend determining the total tongue weight by using a tongue weight scale, # e99044. Then compare the total tongue weight with the capacity of the system you have to determine if it is the best option.

expert reply by: Michael H