Does a Weight Distribution System Increase a Vehicles and Trailer Hitchs Tongue Weight Rating  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Yes, addition of a weight distribution system can with a compatible and properly-rated trailer hitch receiver result in an increase in that hitch's tongue weight and/or gross trailer weight capacities. The safety/warning sticker on a hitch will indicate if it is rated for use with a weight distribution system and what the increased ratings are when one is installed.

Some vehicles themselves may also have increased tongue weight and/or gross trailer weight capacities when a weight distribution system is employed. In any case when the hitch and vehicle carry different ratings the lower rating becomes the overall system limit. So the moral of the story is check your hitch safety sticker and vehicle owner's manual.

The link to your right will show you all hitches we offer for your 2000 Villager. These include both 1-1/4-inch Class II and 2-inch Class III hitches. To help illustrate, among them is Curt Class II hitch # C12102. This hitch carries a 350-lb tongue weight rating but is NOT compatible with weight distribution. In contrast, Curt 2-inch Class III hitch # C13572, also rated for 350-lbs tongue weight, DOES offer increased weight capacities when used with weight distribution.

Weight distribution systems are available with or without sway control. For larger trailers or when the trailer weight is a large fraction of the vehicle weight then a combination system is recommended. The key to choosing a system is the total tongue weight of the system. This is the combination of the tongue weight of the fully-loaded road-ready trailer (with all gear and supplies, water and propane tanks filled) added to the weight of anything in the Villager that sits behind the rear axle, such as a generator or loaded cooler. With this total tongue weight you can choose a system using the link at right.

Click on the type of system you want - weight distribution only or with built-in sway control - then select your measured tongue weight to see suitably-rated systems.

If you would like to advise some details about your trailer I will be glad to offer more specific suggestions. In the meantime the linked article may be of interest.

expert reply by: Adam R

0