When Does a Weight Distribution System Increase Towing Capacity

Question:

I own a 2018 Winnebago Era 170M which is on a Sprinter 3500 duelly chassis and I am trying to tow a Grand Design Imagine 2250FK travel trailer. The trailer tongue weight is right at 500 pounds which is within the Spinters capability, however the unloaded weight of the trailer is 5485 lbs, which is above the max towing weight of the Sprinter. Ive heard people discussing trailer weight distribution systems and I am trying to understand what impact than they would have on towing this trailer. Any suggestions and information would be appreciated. Thank you.

asked by: Abutan L

Helpful Expert Reply:

Weight distribution systems, which can also include a built-in sway prevention function as with Equal-I-zer system # EQ37100ET, can in some cases enable towing a heavier trailer. The trailer hitch itself and the towing vehicle on which it is mounted both must be specifically rated for a higher towing capacity when WD/SC is employed.

An RV hitch such as Curt # C13701 has 500-lb tongue weight (TW) and 5000-lb gross trailer weight ratings but these increase to 600-lbs and 6000-lbs when a WD system is employed. The sticker on your hitch must directly indicate a WD weight rating; if not then it does not have increased capacity under such circumstances. The owner's manual for your Sprinter likewise must indicate the vehicle itself can tow 6K if WD is used.

In general there is no way to "bolt-on" additional towing capacity. There are items like oil and transmission coolers that can usefully lower operating temperatures, and suspension enhancement kits that can improve handling, but neither of these can actually add towing capacity.

In truth, odds are pretty good that with a starting dry weight of 5485-lbs the trailer when fully-loaded for a trip would still exceed 6000-lbs. You can refer to the linked article on WD systems for additional background.

expert reply by: Adam R