Can Negative Tongue Weight Cause the Coupler to Come Off of the Hitch Ball
Question:
Could you tell me if extreme negitive tongue weight could possible cause a ball type hitch to come off the ball assuming all parts are in good condition. thanks
asked by: Danny
Expert Reply:
Generally if all of the parts of the towing system are in good condition then you should not have a problem with the coupler coming off of the ball. In the case of EXTREME negative tongue weight, the towing system is not designed to be used in that condition. Towing systems are designed to have 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight, loaded and ready to travel, on the trailer tongue. The latch on a coupler is not designed to hold the hitch on to the ball at all times. It is designed to keep the coupler attached to the ball in situations where a large bump or rough road causes the trailer tongue to try and rise off of the ball. Negative tongue weight would most likely cause the coupler latch to fail eventually. In this case the coupler would most likely detach during a stop.
A trailer with the proper tongue weight will not come off of the ball under normal circumstances even if the latch is not engaged, unless some road condition is encountered that causes the trailer tongue to raise an abnormal amount. I have seen boat trailers that were driven great distances with the latch on the coupler not engaged (Not Recommended).
If you have negative tongue weight on your trailer you will need to remedy this condition. Proper trailer loading will be the key as long as the trailer is constructed correctly. Our weight distribution page (see link) shows how to determine the tongue weight of your trailer and you can have the trailer weighed at a local truck stop, nursery or landscape supply. Weight distribution systems are not designed to remedy negative tongue weight.
