Should Weight of Weight Distribution Hitch Be Taken Into Account When Choosing the Correct System

Question:

When figuring out which hitch to buy do I need to include the weight of the WD hitch along with the tongue weight of the trailer to the correct hitch? For example if my trailer has a tongue weight of 925lb will the 1k version work or would I need the 1500k version as the hitch weighs 120lb making the weight hanging off the back of the truck 925+120=1072lb?

asked by: Justin K

Expert Reply:

When you're determining the necessary rating for the weight distribution system you use, you will not add the weight of the system as tongue weight. The trailer tongue weight used to figure out what system you need should be the loaded and ready to tow trailer's tongue weight PLUS the weight of anything you carry in the tow vehicle behind the rear axle. Let's call this your total tongue weight.

When you choose a system, ideally you'll want the total tongue weight to fall toward the middle of the effective range of the system you choose, but you don't want to go too close to the max capacity.

The Curt # C17500 TruTrack is rated for 800-1000 lbs of tongue weight. If the 925 lb figure you mentioned represents the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight, you'll be extremely close or possibly over the capacity if you decide to carry anything in your truck bed.

You'll be better off going up to the next-highest rated system, the # C17501 that you'd looked at which is rated for 1000-1500 lbs. The kit is complete, all hardware and even the trailer ball is included.

I've linked to installation instructions and an install/set up video that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L