Recommended Weight Distribution With Sway Control For 3,800-Lb Tent Trailer

Question:

I have a 3,800 lb. tent trailer with a tongue weight of 280 lbs. I was thinking of getting a weight distribution hitch to help even out the ride. Im pulling it with a Durango. Do you add the weight of the hitch into the tongue weight for purposes of picking the right rated hitch? I was thinking that the Fastway E2 rated for 600 / 6000 might be what I need. What can you recommend? Thanks,

asked by: Rick

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch is not considered for tongue weight when calculating total tongue weight. You do need to know the total tongue weight which is the tongue weight of your trailer when it is loaded and ready to tow added to the weight of cargo placed behind the rear axle. The 280-lbs you said is your tongue weight sounds a little light. I would expect the weight to be closer to 400-lbs for a 3,800-lb trailer unless most of the weight is in the back of the trailer.

Based on the numbers you provided you could estimate about 250 or 300 lbs of additional weight when towing. This could be coolers, food, water, or fishing gear. When selecting a weight distribution system you want your total tongue weight to fall near the middle of the range for the WD system you select.

So based on your numbers we'll add 250-lbs making it from 500 to 600 lbs. The system I recommend is part # FA92-00-0800. This system is designed for trailer tongue weight up to 800-lbs.

You will also need a hitch ball. For a 2-5/16 inch ball I recommend part # EQ91-00-6100 and for a 2 inch hitch ball I recommend part # EQ91-00-6080.