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Weight Distribution System For Trailer Being Towed By Two Different Vehicles  

Question:

I have a 20 ft. camp trailer single axle with factory specs as follows: Hitch wt. : 385 lbs UVW: 2,836 lbs CCC: 1,049 lbs. I use 2 different tow vehicles, a 1996 Dodge 3/4 ton or a 2012 Ford F 150 both with factory towing receivers. Q1: I assume that both vehicles are rated for a weight distribution hitch system, but how do I verify? Q2: If I add 100 1lbs of equipment e.g. generator, spare propane to the rear bed of the towing vehicle, did I just add 100 lbs to the hitch wt. for purposes of calculating the distribution and anti away system to purchase? Similiarly, Q3: If I add 300 1bs. 36 gal. of potable water to the trailer tank, did I just add some weight to the tongue weight? If so, how do I calculate that? You see where I am going with this, and any advice you can give me is appreciated. Thank you.

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Helpful Expert Reply:

Weight distribution is recommended when your fully-loaded ready-to-tow trailer weighs more than half of your towing vehicle weight. Another reason is when the tail lights are pointed upward or the rear end of the towing vehicle is sagging.

One method for determining the tongue weight is to use a scale like part # 5780. This is the Sherline tongue weight scale and it has a 2,000-lb capacity.

As you add weight to your trailer like a generator or potable water, it will depend where the added weight is placed on the trailer. If it is placed near the front then the tongue weight will be more than if the weight is placed over the axle or behind the trailer axle.

When selecting a weight distribution system you want the tongue weight of your loaded trailer to fall as near the middle of the tongue weight range of the WD system as possible.

The system you came from, part # FA92-00-0600 has a tongue weight capacity between 250 and 600-lbs. The hitch ball is sold separately and requires a 1-1/4 inch shank. for a 2-inch ball I recommend part # EQ91-00-6080 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball you can use part # EQ91-00-6100.

I have attached a helpful article that explains weight distribution you can check out.

expert reply by:
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Jeffrey L

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