What Is Weight Distribution and how is it important to an RV?

  

Weight Carrying

Towing a trailer with a rear-mounted hitch will allow all of your trailer's tongue weight to be transferred on the rear axle of your tow vehicle. This means that the back end of the vehicle may be forced lower and the front end may be raised. When this happens, your vehicle's rear axle will bear the weight the trailer and much of the tow vehicle's weight as well. The less weight on your front axle can cause weakened performance in terms of steering, traction and stopping. It can also increase the sway of the trailer and limit the view of the road due to the vehicle's awkward angle.

Weight Distribution

Weight-distribution includes the use of spring bars to help stabilize the issues that often occur with common hitches. By adding spring bars to your towing, it will apply leverage to either side of your system transferring the weight to all of the axles on both your tow vehicle and your trailer. This is an even distribution of weight which results in a smooth, level ride, as well as the ability to tow at your maximum capacity for your hitch.

When do you need Weight Distribution?

• If your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50 percent of your vehicle's weight (GVWR)
• The rear of your tow vehicle will sag when the trailer is hitched
• If there is any trailer sway
• If your tow vehicle headlights are pointing upward
• If you find it hard to steer or stop your vehicle
• If you need to tow to the highest capacity allowed by your vehicle's trailer hitch setup

Note: Your trailer hitch must be rated for use with weight distribution. Check the weight rating label on your hitch to make sure that a weight-distributing capacity is listed. If no rating is listed, a weight-distribution system should not be used.

Choosing a Weight-Distribution System?

A weight-distribution hitch has two weight ratings; the gross trailer weight and the tongue weight. This is what you must know in choosing the right distribution system:

-GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) is the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
   It is measured by placing the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
   The rating of weight-distribution system must match or exceed your GTW.

-TW (Tongue Weight) refers to the tongue weight of your trailer and the weight of the cargo that sits behind the rear axle of your vehicle.
  Trailer TW is measured using a tongue weight scale
  Typically, about 10 to 15 percent of the GTW
  Weight of cargo behind the rear axle can be measured using a commercial scale
  Weigh vehicle without cargo
  Weigh vehicle with cargo loaded
  Subtract initial weight from weight of loaded vehicle to arrive at Tongue weight

Tongue Weight (for weight distribution) = tongue weight + vehicle cargo load behind rear axle

The TW rating is very important in determining what size of weight-distribution system you should use. If the bars of the system you choose are too high of a rating for your setup, they can make a rough ride, which can result in a bouncy trailer haul. If the bars are not rated high enough, the system will be unable to distribute the weight, making it useless to have.

Contact our Service department with any questions on weight Distribution.