How to Determine Tongue Weight when Choosing a Weight Distribution System

Question

Question:

I purchased one of your Reese W/D with cam sway control #66074. It has a tongue weight range of 600-1200 lbs, I can only get it to 550 lbs. I have a 8.5’ X 20’ enclosed car trailer that weighs 3600 lbs and my car weighs 3600 lbs. The rear of the car weighs 200 lbs more than the front so the weight is well distributed. I’ve read that you should have 10-15 of trailer and cargo weight in tongue weight which would be 720-1080 lbs of tongue weight. What do I have to do to make this a towable combination? I cannot move the car forward any more than it is. I thought about purchasing 400-800 lbs trunion bars but that does not address the 10-15 tongue weight issue. Any help you can give me is greatly appreciated. THANKS

asked by: Donald O

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The trailer should have listed somewhere on it or in its literature the tongue weight that it should be. Typically tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight but not always (this is especially true on boat trailers since the back of a boat weighs more than the front). It sounds like you are adding the vehicle weight or part of the vehicle weight to the trailer weight but this is not correct.

You would add the weight of cargo LOADED behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle but not the weight of the tow vehicle itself. So for a trailer weighing 3,600 pounds at 10 to 15 percent that would be 360 to 540 pounds.

You really need a system rated for 200 to 600 pounds unless cargo weight behind the rear axle increases the tongue weight above 600 pounds, then you would need the 400 to 800 pounds system or bars. Using the 600 to 1,200 pound bars can damage the trailer since it is much lighter than they are rated for.

For a 200 to 600 pound bar use # RP23227 (quantity of 1 bar). And for the 400 to 800 pound bar use # RP22225 (quantity of 1 bar). If you upgrade to a heavier trailer in the future then you can use the 1200 pound bars if the tongue weight is 600 to 1,200 pounds.

I have included links to our weight distribution and tongue weight articles for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

You can upgrade your Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control, 10,000 pounds GTW, 600 pounds TW #RP66082 with the 800 pound trunnion bars, #RP22225 to increase your system's tongue weight. The part number includes 1 bar,…

view full answer...

Answer 2

When determining the correct spring bars for your trailer you will need to take into account the weight of gear loaded behind the rear axle of the truck and the additional tongue weight loaded in the camper. I believe larger is better but in your…

view full answer...

Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 6

I think you'll need to go up a level in weight rating for your 5,000 lb GVWR Airstream travel trailer. The reason being the Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution #RE34FR is for loaded tongue weights between 200 lbs and 600 lbs. I assume the 520…

view full answer...

Answer 7

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...