Selecting Weight Distribution Set-Up for Trailer with 800-lb Tongue Weight
Question:
I have a 2013 dodge Durango and am looking to pull a 4400# trailer with about 800# tongue weight front deck with ATV causing excess tongue weight. Should I get a weight distribution hitch based on trailer weight or tongue weight? Durango is rated for 7200# Thanks
asked by: Vic
Expert Reply:
A weight distribution/sway control system (WD/SC) added to your trailer will help correct for any rear-end sag in the Durango from the substantial 800-lb trailer tongue weight (TW) as well as stop any trailer sway. As long as you have access to the front of the trailer frame to allow mounting one, you can install a WD/SC set-up.
WD/SC system are chosen based on the total tongue weight of the set-up. This includes the actual measured TW of the loaded trailer plus the weight of anything in the truck that sits behind the rear axle, such as a fully-loaded cooler or generator. These too will act like trailer TW. This total TW will be the basis for selecting a system that has enough stiffness to shift trailer TW forward to the Durango's front axle, without being so stiff that it creates weird handling effects from the trailer. We offer a handy scale # e99044 but other methods to determine TW are noted in the linked article.
The linked page shows all WD/SC systems for your 2-inch hitch that also prevent sway and that allow you to reverse the trailer. Click on your total TW figure.
Let's say your TW comes in at 900-lbs total. Curt's TruTrack # C17500 is a good option since it includes the shank and a 2-5/16-inch ball, and its trunnion style bars provide good ground clearance. This system uses smaller frame brackets that will be easier to fit on the trailer frame than the larger ones in systems like # RP66130.
The Fastway e2 you referenced, part # FA94-00-0600, also has small frame brackets but this system is rated too low for your TW. Also its round bars will mean less ground clearance than with the Curt system.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs 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
- 900 lbs
- CURT
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 >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs 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
- 500 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
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