Weight Distribution System Recommendations for 7000 lb Trailer W/ 550 lb Tongue Weight
Question:
I have a 7 by 12 foot trailer at 7000 lb capacity right now I have a tongue weight of 550 that gives me a hitch sag of 4 inches.I wont have this load all the time will a distribution hitch help and what happens when I am empty?
asked by: Chuck
Expert Reply:
When you choose a W/D system, you want the fully loaded trailer tongue weight (plus the weight of anything in the cargo area or truck bed behind the rear axle) to fall as close to the center of the system's effective weight range as possible.
If your fully loaded tongue weight is in the neighborhood of 550 lbs, the # PS49583 system would have a much larger capacity than you need. The trailer would have a very rough ride.
A better choice would be slightly lower rated system like the Pro Series # PS49582.
As far as when you're running empty, you'll need to make a few test runs to see how the trailer behaves (or doesn't behave). If the ride is very rough or bouncy, it'll be a very simple matter to remove the bars. Once the bars are removed, the empty trailer will ride normally.
The # PS49582 includes the weight distributing shank, but the proper size trailer ball is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use part # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.
I've linked you to some FAQ articles related to weight distribution that I hope you'll find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
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on Weight Distribution Hitch
