When Calculating Gross Vehicle Weight Do You Add in the Trailer Tongue Weight
Question:
I have a 2010 Ford Expedition EL. It weighs 6000 lbs filled with gas and no passengers or luggage. Everywhere I shop for a trailer I ask about the tongue weight so I can figure it in to my GVW. They all say I dont even need to worry about that, my vehicle can pull 8900 lbs. And they tell me with the weight distribution hitch there is no tongue weight. Am I wrong to want to add tongue weight to my vehicle weight? And how do I know how much to add with the weight distribution hitch?
asked by: Dan
Expert Reply:
First of all, I don't know why they would tell you there is no tongue weight when using weight distribution because the tongue weight is still there. What you need to check is the owners manual for the capacities of your vehicle.
When calculating gross vehicle weight you would add in the tongue weight of the trailer whether using weight distribution or not. There are different ways to calculate tongue weight. I have included a link to a help article for you that shows how you can determine tongue weight either at home or using large truck scales.
To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
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 IV
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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