Weight Distribution System Recommendation for Trailer with 350 lb Tongue Weight
Question:
I have a 2013 Town and Country with a GVWR of 6050 lbs looking to pull a camper weighing 3000 lbs with a tongue weight of around 350 lbs. The Camper has a single axel with Dexter brakes. My TC came with the factory/dealership installed tow package so I just installed a Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control. Do I need a weight distribution system and if so which one would be appropriate? They themselves add weight so Im leary of adding it given Im sort of right at the half way mark of towing something 50 of the GVWR and nearing the tow capacity of the TC 3500 lbs. I believe the van also has sway detection and sway control by braking the appropriate wheels and slowing down.
asked by: Dan
Expert Reply:
If the weight of the trailer is more than 50 percent of the weight of the tow vehicle then a weight distribution system is needed. Since your vehicle most likely does not weigh more than 6,000 lbs you'd want to use a WD system.
The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.
If your tongue weight is 350 lb loaded then the Pro Series kit you'd want similar to what you referenced is the Pro Series kit part # PS49901 which has the friction sway control unit and has a tongue weight range of up to 550 lbs.
