How to Determine Tongue Weight for Picking Out Weight Distribution System
Question:
Im not sure if the tongue weight listed by Forest River includes the 40# of propane and the battery or not. Most of the weight I have in the bed of the truck is near the wheels and there shouldnt be much behind wheels. Maybe 100#. I did put a heavy Class V hitch on the truck, which is obviously mounted behind the wheels. Is this part of the tongue weight? Anyway, Im trying to decide if I should get the Pro Series WD rated for 550# TW or 750# TW. 550# seems awefully close to where Id be max, but I dont think Ill load to 750#. I will have a 150# generator, extra gas, and extra water in the bed of the truck, but all the way forward. Thanks for your help.
asked by: Jeremiah P
Expert Reply:
If you are unsure of the tongue weight of your trailer you will need to be sure and get an exact figure before you pick out a weight distribution system. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight that you should find very helpful.
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. 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 weight of the hitch would not count as tongue weight since tongue weight is generally referred to as the weight at the rear of the vehicle behind the rear axle not including the hitch.
