Calculating Weight Distribution Tongue Weight and Trailer Weight Capacities

Question:

Hi, I understand the ball assembly contributes to payload of the tow vehicle. But what about the weight of the bars of a weight distribution hitch? Does the weight of these bars add to tow vehicle payload or do they add to the tongue weight? Should I be laying these bars on the hitch if Im using a scale to measure my tongue weight?

asked by: Chris H

Expert Reply:

The weight of the Trunnion Spring Bar # FA92-02-0699(13lbs) does need to be considered for the over weight of the trailer and maximum payload but is not used in the calculation of the tongue weight rating for the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution # FA92-00-0600. So if your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is only capable of towing 6,000lbs the weight of the Fastway e2(94lbs) does need to be considered as additional weight for the trailer as it is weight placed into the receiver. The weight does not fall into the tongue weight rating of 250-600lbs as that is only what the trailer tongue weight can be.

expert reply by: Bud M