How to Select the Correct Weight Distribution System
Question:
I’ve been trying to educate myself on the proper load distribution hitch for my Nitro. From what I can determine, over kill on what the hitch can handle is almost as bad as an under rated hitch can. My Nitro has a 5,000 lb tow capacity with 500 lb hitch weight. The trailer I’ll be towing has a gross weight capacity of 4500 lbs with a tongue weight of 300-400 lbs. is this hitch the proper one for my needs? It appears so. Thanks
asked by: Don S
Expert Reply:
Since you will be pulling a low tongue weight it is possible the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System # FA92-00-0600 is the right choice, because it has a tongue weight capacity of between 250 lbs and 600 lbs; however, there is a way for you to know for certain if this is the best choice.
You will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2008 Dodge Nitro.
The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR but you'll want to verify it by using a scale such as the # e99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your Nitro and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.
So the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0600 you referenced would be a great option if your TTW was 400 lbs; if it was higher, say 600 lbs you would want to go with the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0800 which has a TTW capacity of 400 lbs to 800 lbs.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: e2 sway
- Search Results: fastway e2 hitch
- Q&A: Where On Trailer Frame Does Spring Bar Hanger for Fastway Weight Distribution Install
- Q&A: When is a Weight Distribution System Recommended
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Shop: 2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 8,000 lbs
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System Review
- Shop: Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Round Bar - 11,500 lbs GTW, 1,150 lbs TW
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: Review of Reese Weight Distribution - WD Only - RE44FR
- Q&A: Which Roadactive Suspension Kit Fits 2023 Ford F-150
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 16K GTW, 1.6K TW
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: Best Way to Prevent Sagging Suspension When Towing a Trailer
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: sway control
- Video: Curt Weight Distribution - WD With Sway Control - C17499 Review
on Weight Distribution Hitch
