Can the Tongue Weight on a Distribution System Support More or Less Weight than What it is Rated for

Question:

What is the effective range for a weight distributing hitch rated for a tongue weight of 1000lbs ? For instance, does it cover a range of 800 - 1200 pounds? Or what is the typical load range, being that my tongue weight changes from time to time, Thanks

asked by: Marc

Expert Reply:

If your weight distribution (WD) tongue weight is rated for 1,200 lbs, like the Pro Series Weight Distribution System # 49570, there is a range from 700 to 1,200 lbs. That 1,200 lbs tongue weight will be the maximum tongue weight that your WD system can handle. As long as you can adjust your WD system so that it helps maintain level towing, using your weight distribution system with a trailer that has lighter weight than what your WD system is rated for is okay.

The range of the system really depends on the brand. A good example of this would be the Equal-i-zer WD System part # EQ37120ET. It is rated for 1,200 lbs tongue weight, but can support all the way down to 800 lbs tongue weight. The Fastway e2 WD System part # FA92-00-0450 is another good example; it is rated for 450 lbs tongue weight, but it can also support down to 100 lbs.

Please note that tongue weight in regards to a WD system includes the loaded tongue weight of the trailer as well as the weight of any cargo that sits behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle.

Check out the attached link to a helpful article for more information about towing with weight distribution systems.

expert reply by: Jon G