Why Does a Trailer Hitch have 2 Gross Trailer Weight and 2 Tongue Weight Capacities
Question:
Can this hitch bar haul 5,000 lb or 8,000 lb? I dont know what the WD means. Thanks!
asked by: John T
Helpful Expert Reply:
The WD stands for weight distribution. A weight distribution system includes spring bars and other components and when properly installed and set up properly it more evenly distributes tongue weight to all the axles of a tow vehicle and trailer. You may have also heard the term equalizer hitch which has come to mean weight distribution in general but comes from the Equal-I-zer brand of weight distribution systems such as # EQ37100ET.
So basically if you are not using a weight distribution system Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75065 is rated for 500 pounds tongue weight and 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight. These capacities are sometimes referred to as weight carrying capacities so as to separate them from weight distribution capacities.
The same hitch when used with weight distribution is rated for 800 pounds tongue weight and 8,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
If a hitch rating, whether it is the weight carrying or weight distribution rating, exceeds the capacity of the vehicle you still have to go by the vehicle capacity. In other words always go by the lowest rated component in a system. I have included a link to our help article all about weight distribution.
Products Referenced in This Question
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 800 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: hitch lock 2 5 16 ball hitch lock
- Search Results: wheel chock
- Shop: Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob
- Shop: Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Round Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 7,500 lbs GTW, 750 lbs TW
- Shop: Manual Override Button for Curt Echo Brake Controller
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Shop: Redarc Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers
- Search Results: tongue weight scale
- Q&A: Weight Ratings For Hitches With and Without a Weight Distribution Hitch.
- Q&A: Weight Distribution Recommendation for 6,000 lb Camper Trailer
- Q&A: Does Adding a Weight Distribution System Increase a Hitch's Gross Tongue Weight Capacity
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 5,500 lbs GTW, 550 lbs TW
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Weight Distribution Hitch - 7.5K WD With Sway Control - BXW0756
- Q&A: Correct Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System for a 2023 Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB
- Q&A: FINISH Why Isn't My Brake Controller Working on Trailer when Towed By My 2013 Ford F-150?
- Q&A: How do I Tell if the Brake Controller is Bad
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 2012 Ford F-150 22292
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Wire Testing
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams