Does Weight of Weight Distribution System Get Factored in as Tongue Weight

Question:

Question about calculating the actual hitch weight on a receiver. I believe that when using a WD hitch you need to add the weight of the WD hitch to the actual tongue weight of the trailer to determine what the load will be on your receiver. Is this correct? Here is an example: I have a Jeep with a 620 lb tongue weght capacity. I have a trailer that has a tongue weight of 565 lbs. I am looking at a WD hitch that weighs 85 lbs. I believe that I have an effective tongue weight of 650 lbs and there for will exceed the stated tongue weight capacity of my Jeep. Thanks.

asked by: Larry P

Expert Reply:

This is a really good question that comes up from time to time, but we've checked with our weight distribution manufacturers and they've told us that the weight of a weight distribution system does not get factored in as additional tongue weight since it essentially becomes a part of the trailer hitch of the tow vehicle. So since your tongue weight is listed as 565 lbs without the weight of your weight distribution system it would remain that even with the use of an 85 lb system.

It sounds like you had a system in mind already but my recommendation would be the Reese Strait-Line part # RP66083 which has a tongue weight range of 400-800 lbs and has the best sway control at fighting sway before it starts.

expert reply by: Jameson C