Does a Trailer have to be Loaded First to Install a Weight Distribution System

Question:

I have my trailer almost loaded for a 1400 mile trip. I weighed the tongue and adjusted it down from 1050lbs to just at 800 lbs. The trailer will haul 7,000 lbls GTW. Can I mount the wt. dist. hitch on before Ive fully loaded the trailer, or can mount the hitch now with a tongue wt. of 800lbs?

asked by: Bill L

Expert Reply:

You can get it all set up and ready to go without putting tension on the system (pulling the chains up using the special tool). Or, you could load up your trailer and then install and set up the system. It does not matter as long as you are within the capacity of the system. I have included a link to a video for you that shows a system being installed and set up.

expert reply by: Michael H