Does Trailer Weight Range for Weight Distribution Have to Also Match Tongue Weight Range

Question:

I am purchasing a trailer to pull behind my 2012 Silverado with tow package rated at 9600lbs. I am buying a car trailer that the combined weight of the trailer 3200lbs and the vehicle being towed under 4000 lbs. With driver, and other gear it could increase from 7200 ponds to 8000-8500 pounds. The trailer manufacturer states 1500 pound tongue weight but I think it would probably be closer to 1000? I want to be able to have the capacity for 1500 pounds. The blue ox weight distributing hitch I am looking at is rated at 1500 tongue and 15000 total. Do they make a 1500 tongue with 10000 trailer weight? What do you suggest? Thanks In the install video he put the lock washer under the head of the bolt instead of under the nut. I have never seen a lock washer installed that way. Is that the correct way?

asked by: Mark W

Expert Reply:

For weight distribution you do need to make sure that the tongue weight rating is correct for the tongue weight of the trailer which means going with a system that has a range that your loaded tongue weight falls right into the middle of but for total trailer weight you just have to make sure that it is rated for more than is needed. It's more just an overall capacity and not an ideal range like the tongue weight is. So if a 1,500 lb tongue weight system like the # BXW1500 would work great and your trailer is less than 15,000 lb total it would work in that regard as well.

I am not sure what install video you are referring to but the lock washer would need to install under the nut and not the hitch ball itself.

expert reply by: Jameson C