Weight Distribution Hitch for 35-foot Toy Hauler with Tongue Weight Near 2000-lbs

Question:

I have a 35foot tow behind toy hauler rated at 8990 dry and 12900 gvwr. The problem I have is that when I bought it the trailer was advertised as having a 1500 lb hitch weight. I had a 1400 lb wd hitch on my F250 but could never get it to distribute weight at all. Bought a tw scale and to my surprise, it has a 1980 lb tongue weight empty, dump propane and remove battery and its at 1860. I am attempting to get the dealer to replace that trailer with something in the range it was advertised at, 1500 or so, but if that doesnt work, I have a hitch problem. We tried a new Blue Ox 2000 lb hitch and still could not get it to effectively distribute. I am thinking my only option is the torklift 3000 lb hitch but I am afraid those bars might be too stiff and my trailer will be bouncing down the road. Any advice? Thank you

asked by: Jim L

Expert Reply:

The key to selecting a properly-rated weight distribution system, one that will deliver the correction required without resulting in a jumpy or erratic ride quality, is to determine the trailer's tongue weight when it is fully loaded with all toys, equipment, supplies, etc, just as it will be when you hit the road. A system that is too soft will not deliver the weight re-distribution to your tow vehicle's front end; a system that is too stiff can result in odd handling characteristics, as you note.

All such systems will have an operating range, meaning that ideally the tongue weight should fall in the middle of the operating range. For example, a trailer with a fully-loaded tongue weight of 800-lbs would work well with a system rated for 600-1000-lb tongue weight trailers. I checked with my contact at TorkLift about the operating range of their Everest system, part # TLWD1000, and he advised that it can be used with tongue weights as low as 1500-lbs and as high as the maximum 3000-lb rating.

Toy haulers pose a unique challenge for consistent tongue weight; if you load your vehicles in a different order and/or if they are a foot or two forward or backward of their usual spot, then the tongue weight will potentially change. Also, keep in mind that the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle - say a big fully-loaded cooler, generator or 8 cases of beer - will also need to be added to the trailer's actual measured tongue weight.

This system is intended for use with TorkLift SuperHitch Magnum dual-receiver trailer hitches. It also requires a separate adjustable shank, either # TLM9010 or # TLM9011.

expert reply by: Adam R