Does Using Weight Distribution Increase the Tongue Weight of a Trailer
Question:
I read your reply on the additional down force on the hitch but I have a more specific question. How much apparent down force weight is added to the hitch of the vehicle? Would the Gross Tow Weight GTW be increased due to this down force? My 2017 Ford Expedition has a max tongue load of 920 pounds. It seems that this could be exceeded by the weight distribution bars. For my trailer, the Hitch Weight w/ LP and Batteries is 837. That only leaves 83 pounds of downforce that can be added. How would I verify that the total hitch load is less than 920 pounds when I hookup to the trailer and load up the weight distrubution bars? Thanks
asked by: Mark M
Expert Reply:
Weight distribution spring bars simultaneously pull down on the trailer ferame, which increase the weight on the hitch ball, and lift up the weight distribution head that the ball is on, which basically cancels out any additional weight that was put on the ball.
When the system is set up properly the tongue weight of the trailer should stay roughly the same though it will likely be a little higher. Provided that the tongue weight is within the capacity of the hitch to start with you won't have anything to worry about.
But when choosing weight distribution there is a specific way to calculate tongue weight. Since the weight distribution system has to also lift up at the vehicle end you have to factor in the weight of anything carried behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
So, for example if the trailer tongue weight is 500 pounds and you had 100 pounds of gear loaded in the cargo area of the vehicle then the total tongue weight is 600 pounds. This information might change things for you but not to worry. Should you exceed the tongue weight capacity of the vehicle you can move some weight further back on the trailer side which will lower the tongue weight some.
I recommend a tongue weight scale, # e99044, especially for your situation since you are close to the capacity of your 2017 Ford Expedition. This will ensure that you keep the trailer tongue weight at a safe level with or without weight distribution. I have also included links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.
For 837 pounds of tongue weight, I recommend the Reese Steadi-Flex, # RP66559, which is rated for a max of 1,000 pounds tongue weight. At 837 pounds your tongue weight is perfect for this system. For a compatible 2-5/16 inch ball use # 19286.
The system also comes with built-in friction style sway control to help keep the trailer from swaying due to cross winds or big trucks passing you. Whatever system you choose I highly recommend a system that has sway control for safety.
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 >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10K GTW, 1K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: Review of Reese Straight Tongue Weight Distribution Adapter - RP58393
- Shop: Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
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- Q&A: Does a Weight Distribution System Reduce Tongue Weight of Trailer
- Video: etrailer Campers and Utility Trailers Tongue Weight Scale Review
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- Video: Review of etrailer Tools - Hitch Tools - Measuring Devices - e99044
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- Video: Reese Weight Distribution without Shank Review
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- Video: Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System Review RP66082
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- Search Results: weight distribution sway control
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