Best Ways to Determine Tongue Weight to Set Up Weight Distribution System

Question:

I have a 2014 Acura MDX and a 2015 Jayco x23b. Will you tell me how I can estimate the individual axle weights when using a WD hitch? Ive attached my attempt, but I have a number of questions: - How do I estimate the added load from TT? - Should the weight of the WD hitch be accounted for in the TV or the TT? - How coarse is the weight adjustment in the e2 hitch? Are there any other options that are capable of finer adjustment?

asked by: Jim H

Expert Reply:

There are a few ways that you can determine the trailer tongue weight once it is loaded and ready to tow. The best way would be to use a tongue weight scale, # e99044, for the most accurate reading.

Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight, but not always. So if an estimate will not do using a scale or one of the methods in the link I have included to the right would be the way to go.

Determining tongue weight is a little different when choosing weight distribution though. To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Always check the tongue weight capacity of the hitch (sticker on the hitch lists its capacities) and the vehicle (check the owners manual) and go by the lowest of the two ratings.

The weight of a WD system does not count as additional tongue weight as it essentially becomes part of the trailer hitch. The spring bar tension tuning of the # FA92-00-0800 would be fine enough to allow you the ability to get the perfect amount of spring bar tension.

expert reply by: Jameson C