Tongue Weight Capacity when Using Titan Trailer Hitch Extension RP45292 with Weight Distribution

Question:

Please explain weight distribution? I have a slide in camper for a 2003 Chevy Sierra 8 foot bed. Got the camper used. It had your 24 / 36foot hitch extension. I wanted to pull a 16 foot aluminum livestock trailer recently. I drove about an hour and the weight had bent the hitch down to where it was almost dragging. The extension did not bend. It appeared that the receiver did. I now understand that I should be looking at 460 - 600 tongue weight. I read some reviews. I do not understand weight distribution. Any other help and advice would be most appreciated

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution system is used to more evenly distribute the weight of the trailer to all axles of the trailer and tow vehicle. When using the extension, # RP45292, the tongue weight capacity is going to depend on the length the extension is cut to. If it is cut down to 24 inches, the tongue weight capacity 600 pounds. At the 34 inch length the capacity is 450 pounds.

It does not sound like you have a weight distribution if you are using the extension and a ball mount and are connected directly to the trailer. I have included a link to our weight distribution FAQ article for you to view.

Livestock trailers can have heavy tongue weights when loaded and it could have exceeded the capacities of the hitch. You will want to check the capacity of the hitch by looking at a sticker that should be present. It should tell you the gross trailer weight and tongue weight capacities.

If the tongue weight was high enough, that, coupled with the length of the extension, could have produced so much torque that it pulled the hitch down. I have also included an FAQ on calculating tongue weight.

Because weight distribution allows a compatible hitch to tow more, when used with a weight distribution system and this extender, the tongue weight capacities would be 600 to 800 pounds provided the hitch and vehicle can also handle that much weight.

expert reply by: Michael H