Importance of Trailer Brochure Tongue Weight When Choosing a Weight Distribution Hitch

Question:

I am looking at a Blue Ox Sway Pro for a Tracer 24 RKS. I know the best answer is to weight it, but I have a general question about tongue weight. The brochure lists the trailer at 5338 pounds dry, capacity 2212, hitch weight 550. 5338 + 2212 is 7550 gross. 550 pound hitch weight seems really low. 13 of 7550 is 982 pounds. Should I be looking at the 1000 pound bars instead of the 750s? Is there any validity to the hitch weight figure in the brochure?

asked by: Russell S

Expert Reply:

When selecting a weight distribution hitch tongue weight is everything. If you choose a system that is too light for your application, the hitch won't be effective. If you go too heavy, however, you'll suffer a rigid ride and a bouncy trailer.

The # BXW0756 Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control has a tongue weight range of 550-750 lbs. Ideally you want your tongue weight to be somewhere in the middle when it comes to a weight distribution hitch.

When it comes to the figure in the brochure it sets a benchmark so you have a starting point/general idea as to what the tongue weight might be. The manufacturer doesn't know what you will have in the trailer, or how you will load it, which will change the tongue weight. The weight of anything you are carrying behind the rear axle of your vehicle will also go into the tongue weight calculation.

As you said, you should measure it. I would not recommend attempting to take a guess resulting in the selection of the wrong weight distribution hitch for your setup.

I have attached a helpful article on determining your trailer tongue weight as well as an article on choosing the right weight distribution hitch for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H