How To Determine The Total Tongue Weight Of My Trailer For Weight Distribution

Question

Question:

hello, I was interested in purchasing a weight distribution hitch with sway control for my camping trailer. The manufacturer of my trailer specs are: hitch weight: 239 dry weight: 3170 GVWR: 4639. I feel the true weight of this might be slightly higher. I was interested in the Curt TruTrack hitch item #C17500 and just wanted to verify this setup would be a good fit for my trailer. I see on your website there are sway control hitches with smaller weight ratings and just want to make sure that If I chose to use this hitch it wouldnt be unsafe or I should have any other concerns? Thank you for your time.

asked by: Brandon G

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Expert Reply:

In order to choose the proper weight distribution system, you will need to calculate your total tongue weight. This can be done by using a tongue weight scale such as the Trailer Tongue Weight Scale part # e99044 to measure your trailers loaded ready to tow tongue weight. In addition to the trailer's tongue weight, you will also need to add any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle in order to determine your towing setups total tongue weight.

When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want your total tongue weight to fall in the middle of the rating. For example, the optimal tongue weight for a system rated at 400-900 lbs. would be 650 lbs. The trailer's tongue weight is typically 10-15% of the gross trailer weight (GTW).

The ideal tongue weight for the Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System part # C17500 is around 900 lbs. For a total tongue weight between 400-600 lbs, I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control part # FA94-00-0600 as this is one of our most cost effective weight distribution systems.

I have included both a weight distribution and tongue weight article for your review.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

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Answer 4

You're welcome Chris! Sounds like you've more then got the hitch covered. I can not think of a better option then the TorkLift SuperHitch Magnum Trailer Hitch item #TL74FR. You will be able to pull anything and everything with this hitch and…

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Answer 5

Absolutely our Tongue Weight Scale #e99044 will work perfectly with your travel trailer! Our scale has a 2,000 lb capacity which you may think that a 5,000 lb trailer would be too much for our scale, but it's actually an ideal size trailer. What…

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Answer 6

Hey HPA, I would go with the Air Lift kit part #AL64VJ that fits your 2019 Toyota RAV4 based on what you described and your needs. This gives you adjustable support that you can tailor as needed so that you get the exact amount of support you need…

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Answer 7

Hey Tom, you are on the right track. I checked out your 2023 Jayco Jay Flight 284 BHS and it does have an underslung coupler so the correct B and W Continuum weight distribution would be the part #BW88FR. An underslung coupler is basically one that…

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Answer 8

Thanks for the pictures! No, I am sorry Richard you can not. The B&W Continuum item #BW78FR only works with frames that are 5" and 6" tall. Instead, I recommend using the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control…

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Answer 9

Accuracy is the most important thing when it comes to tongue weight scales in my opinion and convenience is a plus. The etrailer Tongue Weight Scale #e99044 is both. I have gotten my hands on this product and used it. One of my favorite things about…

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Answer 10

This is a really good question. I sent it to our engineer and he told me that the gauge has a 3%,2%,3% margin of error. This means that in the first third of its range, it is +/- 3% of the actual tongue weight, the middle of its range it is +/- 2%,…

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Answer 11

The B&W Continuum #BW78FR and the Reese Strait-Line #RP66083 are both great systems. The B&W Continuum is going to be easier to set up, but as far as sway control goes, I definitely have to give the edge to the Reese Strait-Line. The…

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Answer 12

The etrailer.com #e99044 did receive an upgrade and should have fluid in the gauge. With that being said, they will all have an air bubble like this and it is perfectly good to use.

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