Does Weight Distribution Allow you to Tow a Heavier Trailer

Question:

I am looking at purchasing a new travel trailer with a tongue weight of 770 pounds. I have weighed my truck with a full, normal load in the bed and have only 200# to spare on the rear axle weight limit and 600# on the front. According to the salesman the WD hitch will spread the tongue weight out to where I will not exceed the rear axle limit. Can I believe him or is this just a sales pitch?

asked by: Vince C

Expert Reply:

Depends on the vehicle and the hitch installed on it, but MOST of the time there is a second higher weight rating for a setup when it is used with a weight distribution system. Typically this rating will be listed on a sticker on the hitch of the vehicle. It can also be listed in the owners manual. The salesman you spoke to is essentially right. But you will need to check out your tow vehicle's towing capacities first.

The function of weight distribution does take the tongue weight at the rear of a vehicle and distribute it to the front axles. Check out the help article I attached on WD systems.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

The # RP66560 that you referenced has a tongue weight range of 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs. If your setup's tongue weight falls in the middle of that this would be a great system for you to use.

expert reply by: Jameson C