Should I Spread the Trailer Axles Out or Use a Weight Distribution System

Question:

What can one do to reduce the tongue weight when hauling a vehicle on a 16 ft car hauler. When hauling a 1500 crew cab long box the weight of the vehicle is all at the front of the trailer instead of over the axles of the trailer. The car hauler is the normal tandem trailer. Would changing to a spread axle lower the tongue weight.

asked by: Chuck

Expert Reply:

Generally speaking, you will want to load the trailer with 60% of the cargo in the front and 40% in the rear. I do not recommend spacing the axles out as they are in the location predetermined by the manufacturer to be best for the trailer. Instead, I recommend using a weight distribution system to help combat a trailer with a heavy tongue.

In order to choose the correct weight distribution system you will need to find the total tongue weight of your towing setup which is the loaded ready to tow tongue weight of the trailer added to any weight stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. You will want the total tongue weight to fall in the middle of the weight disitbition's weight capacity.

Once you find your total tongue weight you can take a look at the attached list of weight distribution systems to find the best one for you.

expert reply by: Conner L