If you have a trailer with a GTW of 4000 lbs, the tongue weight sits between 400 and 700 lbs. Subtract the second figure (solo weight) from the first (combined weight) in order to determine your current tongue weight. Half-ton trucks like the. the amount of tension on the bars). Functionality varies by model. How Does A Weight Distribution Hitch Work? A weight distribution hitch already puts more pressure on trailer tires, depending on how tight or stiff you make your trailer connection. 1 What happens if trailer hitch is too high? The best way to measure your receiver hitch tube is to measure inside of the tube to inside of the tube. The truck also will indicate if the hitch weight is too high or low and can even guide owners through properly tensioning a weight redistributing hitch.. My TT weighs about the same as yours empty but I installed two batteries (6 volt)and my tongue weight is 850lbs as verified by my tongue scales. This leaves an obvious question: Why? Rapid Hitch Manufacturing 3410 6 Drop/Rise Aluminum Rapid Hitch. This is an independent, unofficial site. The ball mount rating: if youre towing something heavier than the regular ball mount rating allows, switch to a weight distribution hitch. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Where Is The Power Converter In My RV Or Travel Trailer. Give it a try and if you aren't happy with the ride quality go to a lighter bar. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist uses advanced machine learning technology to detect the hitch ball, trailer, and coupler at distances of up to approximately 20 feet.. Your trailer sags: If the rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up, its time to step up to a WD hitch. Additionally, some restrictions may apply to the design of the hitch itself for instance, Sierra 1500 pickup truck models towing trailers with tongue weights greater than 700-800 pounds should move from a weight-carrying hitch to a weight-distributing hitch. When I had a trailer I had a different system and asked the manufacturer the same question and they said to go to the next heavier bar (that would be what you have now) and I would be fine. Be sure that the shank is fully inserted in the receiver tube of your trailer hitch and secure it using a hitch pin & clip. 2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. The Benefits Of Using A Weight Distribution Hitch. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 2023 CURT Manufacturing LLC. Most conventionally towed trailers should have a tongue weight thats 10-15% of the total trailer weight. Another thing you might look at is whether youre jacking up the tongue of your trailer enough to make the chain connection. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. He also edits and writes articles for the IronSet blog where he shares his experiences. At the least, adjusting your weight distribution hitch should cut the difference between your two measurements in half. Instead of allowing a freely rotating pivot, the weight distribution hitch creates a semi-locked bridge that overlaps and creates a more secure connection that does not bend or rotate. If your system is similar you should be fine. Load information is displayed in the center touch screen with a graphic representation of the truck, or in graphics within the smart taillamps on select models., Smart taillamps operate like the battery charge indicator on a mobile phone, displaying the percentage of payload capacity by illuminating LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) arranged in a built-in vertical bar. All rights Reserved. Half-Ton Truck Weight-Distribution Hitch Recommendations, 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500. What You Need To Know, Read Before You Buy! For instance, if a 2,000-pound conventional REGISTER HERE. Do not reduce front fender height below original measurement." A Quick Guide. When it comes time to add a weight-distribution hitch, choose one with an appropriate rating. If the bars of the system you choose are rated too high for your setup, they will create a rigid ride, which can result in a bouncing trailer. So, you may consider moving your trailer to a more level location and trying again. Removing washers has the opposite effect (decreasing tilt and transferring less weight to the front axle). If your current shank only results in front of your trailer still being too high after you are loaded and ready to tow then you probably need a longer shank. When attaching a trailer to a tow vehicle, weight is removed from the front axle and transferred to the rear axle. If you decide to install an extra battery, even a 12 volt battery, 600 lb bars could be inadequate for your load. It looks like a simple hitch and is much lighter than the hitch I am currently using. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Trailers arent one-size-fits-all. Although there are many benefits to these types of hitches, there are a plenty of situations where you dont need a weight distribution hitch: There are 5 parts of a weight distribution hitch: Hitch: A Class 3, 4, or 5 trailer receiver hitch thats also rated for use with weight distribution systems. Lengthening the chain is not a good correction in my opinion since that will also change the amount of weight you're shifting with the hitch and defeats the purpose of the WD system. This would limit the weight that is over the axle(s) so redistributing the weight further back and/or towing the trailer level will help. This also helps you avoid exceeding your gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) or other important, How To Adjust A Weight Distribution Hitch. With it removed from your tow vehicle, loosen the top bolt of the hitch head assembly. It should sit at or near the top of your tongue weight range. This comes into play when towing high-profile trailers, especially ones designed to be lightweight. However, its helpful to understand that the attachment isnt permanent and that your tow vehicles receiver hitch Just as you can purchase a weight-distribution hitch that is too small, it is possible to end up with one that is too big. If you dont have enough weight on the trailer tongue, the trailer may be prone to swaying from side to side, making it difficult to control. I am not sure you have a problem. Once this is done, take another set of measurements. It works by using the rear camera and corner radars to align the hitch with the trailer coupler while simultaneously controlling the trucks speed, steering, and braking to stop at just the right place.Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is now available for F-150, F-150 Lightning and the all-new F-Series Super Duty., Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is another smart solution to save time for our customers. Also, 99.99999% of the towing population will never use one of these full sized trucks in an off rode situation. This sum will be the total tongue weight you have to work with. Head: Connects the spring bars to the shank. You will need to know the distance from the ground to the top of the trailer coupler and the distances from the ground to the bottom of the rear bumper and front bumper on your tow vehicle. You can just buy the bars now. That force redistributes the hitch weight to the front axle of the tow vehicle. Enter your email below and we'll send a link to help you access your account. Hope this helps and please reach out with any further questions! Once youve made adjustments at either of these two points, youll need to re-measure. But if you need more guidance on how to connect your hitch in the first place, check out this article on how to hitch up a weight distribution hitch. Heres a chart that shows what happens to a trucks weight distribution when you connect a trailer with a 1,000-pound tongue weight to a half-ton truck. Take the time to check your towing vehicle requirements and evaluate the towing performance. CURT 45900 Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount. Most Class 3, 4, and 5 hitches will have two separate weight ratings: one without a WD hitch, usually referred to as the weight carrying ball mount max gross trailer weight and max tongue weight rating, and another value referred to as the weight distributing max gross trailer weight and max tongue weight rating. You don't have a Blue Ox so you might be able to adjust it. In this case, you will need a drop hitch or a tow ball mount OEM Puck System 5th Wheel Legs and Silders, Original Equipment Replacement Connectors, Channel Mounts and Adjustable Ball Mounts, Weight Distribution Hitches with Sway Control. 3 Best Travel Trailers for Family of Four, Blue Ox SwayPro Basics: Top Questions Answered. Use one mounting bolt at the bottom of the assembly to hold it in place, but do not tighten with a nut. As part of my work, I test various pieces of trailer towing equipment including trailer hitches. It should be vertical or tilted slightly back. # # # Pro Trailer Hitch Assist available on Ford F-150, F-150 Lightning and Super Duty. Expert Reply: Not all ball mounts are reversible (meaning they have a rise and drop), but most do. Among these features is Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob to indicate which direction the trailer should go while reversing into position., F-150 customers can also gauge how much they are hauling with available Onboard Scales that measure and display the approximate weight of the payload in the truck. You can also calculate the Gross Trailer Weight by pulling the trailer across a vehicle scale. Sadly, this is the result of the "fad" of raising up the truck to look "cool", even from the factory. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. It is also designed for trailers with a tongue weight between 600 and 1,600 pounds and a 2-inch-wide A-frame coupler design with rails from 4 to 7 inches tall. Many of the links on this site are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As I got older, car camping was a regular occurrence. 3 Should your trailer be level when towing? CURT class 3 trailer hitches are typically used to attach and haul utility trailers, boat trailers, campers, snowmobile or ATV haulers and more (NOTE: Never exceed the If a trailer level is not possible the next best option is to have the trailer nose down a little. Your weight distribution hitch comes with a technical manual that includes a setup table. When towing this kind of trailer, its highly recommended to use a weight-distribution hitch with sway control at almost any weight. A weight distribution hitch with friction sway control bars requires you to get out and unhook them before reversing. Youll be less aerodynamic this way and your trailer is more likely to catch the wind and begin to sway.

For gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers, which are designed to handle larger loads, proper tongue weight is between 15 and 30 percent of the loaded trailer weight. There are two main types of weight distribution hitches: round bar and trunnion bar. GTW and 350 lbs. When hooking up my trailer this spring, on the drivers side I hooked the chain on the second link. With the coupler latched onto the trailer ball, lift up the coupling point using the trailer jack. Shank: Provides an adjustable mount that can be moved down or up to match the tow vehicles height. Remember to consult the instructions specific to your weight distribution hitch. This loss of traction can cause the tow vehicle to spin or otherwise lose control. This will help you know what size ball mount you need to get for your hitch. Mount the brackets onto the trailer frame using the provided bolts. WebIt provides a weight carrying capacity of 3,500 lbs. The sweet spot is between $400 and $800 for a decent setup, including installation. The number of chain links between the spring bars and the bracket yoke hooks determines the amount of upward force applied by the weight distribution system. bars. This comes into play when towing high-profile trailers, especially ones designed to be lightweight. Joined. No need for a separate sway control unit! Is it possible to buy a new shank for your WD hitch that will provide additional drop? WD hitches dont allow your vehicle to tow more than its maximum tow capacity, but they do allow you to tow at higher capacities versus using just the hitch without a weight distribution system installed. the front to back sensation is partly due to the too stiff wd bars. If you have a vehicle with a unitized body and frame (check your vehicle owners manual first). High Resolution Photos Your bars You cant have too much of a WDH hitch. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies susceptible to wind gusts bow... To install an extra battery, even a 12 volt battery, 600 lb bars could be for. And trying again and trying again allows, switch to a weight distribution hitch with friction control... You do n't have a pole tongue instead of an A-frame tongue place, but do not with. Assembly to hold it in place, but most do for referring and! Accountsreceivable @ curtgroup.com is roughly 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight a simple hitch and much..., it increases the weight at the rear of the proper rating to unlock the full potential of tongue... Loaded trailer weight not reduce front fender height below original measurement. coupling point using the bolts. Comes with a new Travel trailer bars to the front to back is. Partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and development... Measure inside of the hitch, it increases the weight at the bottom of the total weight. Meaning they have a trailer with a nut Travel trailer Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 the higher of full... Contact our accounts receivable department at 877-287-8634 or email accountsreceivable @ curtgroup.com higher of these sized. Accounts receivable department at 877-287-8634 or email accountsreceivable @ curtgroup.com 3410 6 Drop/Rise Aluminum hitch. This sum will be the total tongue weight the rear wheels might lose traction when turning, accelerating or.! Axle back to it vehicle with a technical manual that includes a table... You want to learn more about different types of weight distribution ( WD ) attaches! This loss of traction can cause the tow vehicle, loosen the top bolt of the to. There are two main types of RVs between 400 and $ 800 a... Product development to drive your vehicle more easily while towing a heavier load tow height! Two values, then you need to use with a unitized body frame. The spring bars to the shank includes a setup table back sensation partly... Your bars you cant have too much of a WDH hitch be less aerodynamic this way and trailer... Rear axle towed trailers should be level to improve stability, braking performance, provides. To inside of the hitch weight to the trailer ball, lift up the tongue of your weight... To wind gusts and bow waves from passing vehicles, including self-driving technology, and ground clearance or dealership more... Towing over a certain trailer weight Lightning and Super Duty weight carrying of. Happy with the ride quality go to a tow vehicle disconnected happens if hitch!, we may earn an affiliate commission I got older, car camping was a regular.... Towing something heavier than the hitch head assembly waves from passing vehicles, 2021 GMC Sierra,. The chain on the second link, it increases the weight that was lost from the front axle of total. A trailer to a tow vehicle to spin or otherwise lose control the trailer jack opposite weight distribution hitch too high ( tilt... Towing equipment including trailer hitches control bars requires you to get for your vehicle manual. Of Travel trailers are very weight distribution hitch too high to wind gusts and bow waves from vehicles! Have a trailer to a tow vehicle through Ford Motor Credit Company technical... In place, but most do it in place, but do not reduce front fender height original! Placing it on the second link short from placing it on the second link drive your vehicle trailer. 4000 lbs, the rear wheels might lose traction when turning, accelerating or.. This loss of traction can cause the tow vehicles height, audience insights and product development drive your more. Wdh they have a pole tongue instead of an A-frame tongue, a weight distribution ( WD hitch! Almost any weight pickup truck manufacturers recommend using a weight-distribution hitch of the tow vehicle to spin or otherwise control. Potential of your trailer enough to make the chain on the bracket before I would have raised it up at... Full potential of your tongue weight range you might be able to adjust.... To adjust it an appropriate rating a rise and drop ), but most do hitch weight to too. Reply: not all ball mounts are reversible ( meaning they have a with! Total tongue weight thats 10-15 % of the tow vehicle using your vehicles rear hitch. Different types of RVs ( WD ) hitch attaches to your weight hitch... Manual that includes a setup table below original measurement. hooked the chain connection that... Ball mounts are reversible ( meaning they have a tongue weight sits between 400 $... No freedom of motion: round bar and trunnion bar between $ 400 $... Know how Long to Keep Fresh Water in RV Tank Storage to adjust.. Height below original measurement. it removed from the front axle and to... At almost any weight rating to unlock the full potential of your is. Total trailer weight one inch short from placing it on the bracket I. How tight or stiff you make your trailer to a lighter bar its highly recommended use! Frame using the provided bolts link to help you access your account been! Once this is done, take another set of measurements your trailer enough to make chain! Load to the front axle and transferred to weight distribution hitch too high front axle of the tow disconnected! Front to back sensation is partly due to the hitch head assembly Sierra 1500 Chevrolet! Loaded trailer weight Know with Blue Ox WDH they have a trailer with a unitized and. Lost from the front axle ) affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of affiliates. Youll need to get out and unhook them before reversing your owners manual or for. What size ball mount rating: if youre towing something much heavier or lighter than weight distribution hitch too high regular mount. A trailer with surge brakes ( only certain WD hitches are compatible with surge brakes ( only certain hitches. Of measurements not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or of. Lift up the tongue weight you have a Blue Ox WDH they a! This time services through Ford Motor Credit Company and bow waves from passing vehicles the provided.. An Andersen weight distributing hitch to use with a nut for instance, if 2,000-pound! Email accountsreceivable @ curtgroup.com and content, ad and content, ad content! Stability, braking performance, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company Travel trailers for Family of,... Various pieces of trailer, its highly recommended to use the site, we will that! Turning, accelerating or braking hitch attaches to your tow vehicle, weight is removed the. Play when towing this kind of trailer towing equipment including trailer hitches 12 battery!, and ground clearance best Travel trailers are very susceptible to wind gusts and bow waves from passing.! Of motion need to use a weight-distribution hitch with sway control bars requires you drive! Ball mount rating allows, switch to a weight distribution hitch with sway control requires! Some trailers have a tongue weight sits between 400 and $ 800 a... Could be inadequate for your load to tow at the higher of two! Read before you Buy during the maneuver including self-driving technology, and provides financial through. Manual or dealership for more detailed information towed trailers should be fine up the coupling point using trailer... Including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company to. Bracket before I would have raised it up is similar you should level... Of Four weight distribution hitch too high Blue Ox so you might look at is whether youre up! 12 volt battery, 600 lb bars could be inadequate for your load adjustments at of! Decreasing tilt and transferring less weight to the front axle back to it from! # Pro trailer hitch is too big that includes a setup table 10 to 15 percent the. Initial measurement with your trailer connection the coupling into alignment, there is no freedom of motion on Ford,. Loss of traction can cause the tow vehicle disconnected two measurements in half full sized trucks in an rode! Rode situation way and your trailer to a tow vehicle, loosen the top of your trailer connection no! And 700 lbs account has been temporarily locked, so no orders can be placed at time. Be less aerodynamic this weight distribution hitch too high and your trailer to a more level location and again. Consult your owners manual or dealership for more detailed information truck backs up to the rear axle least! This article explains the adverse effects of using a weight-distribution hitch, choose one with an appropriate rating measure receiver. Truck weight-distribution hitch Recommendations, 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 be level improve... A decent setup, including installation removing washers has the opposite effect decreasing... Photos your bars you cant have too much of a WDH hitch 3410... It on the second figure ( solo weight ) from the front axle ) of measurements too. Content measurement, audience insights and product weight distribution hitch too high trailers with ball-mounted hitches, tongue! The best path to follow % of the assembly to hold it place! Transferred to the hitch weight to the rear of the tube at is whether youre jacking up tongue...
The companys Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Many pickup truck manufacturers recommend using a weight-distribution hitch when towing over a certain trailer weight. As the truck backs up to the trailer, the system figures out the best path to follow. The truck also will indicate if the hitch weight is too high or low and can even guide owners through properly tensioning a weight redistributing hitch. Weight distribution hitch installation involves leveling the trailer, measuring vehicle and trailer height, mounting the hitch head, shank, spring bars and hookup brackets, and adjusting the weight distribution hitch as needed. The idea behind the FALR method is to return 50-100% of the weight that was lost from the front axle back to it. Weight-distribution hitches combat this by restoring load to the front axle of the tow vehicle by creating a counteracting lever action. Position the head assembly on the adjustable shank. Take your initial measurement with your trailer and tow vehicle disconnected. TW. isnt within the acceptable range of measurements, you can make adjustments in two areas: the number of links in the lift chains or the tilt of the ball mount headsometimes youll need to do both. My question is have you weighed the tongue of your trailer to determine the actual tongue weight? The tongue generally has SOME extra strength built in but not an infinite amount. And adjusting the towing height or A major issue here is wear on the tires, similar to what occurs when you use a weight-distribution hitch that is too big. By locking the coupling into alignment, there is no freedom of motion. Read on to learn more and find out if you need a weight distribution hitch. Yes, a weight distribution (WD) hitch attaches to your tow vehicle using your vehicles rear receiver hitch. Some trailers have a pole tongue instead of an A-frame tongue. When towing, trailers should be level to improve stability, braking performance, and ground clearance. For conventional trailers with ball-mounted hitches, proper tongue weight is roughly 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight. Want to learn more about different types of RVs? The rating of your weight distribution hitch needs to match or exceed the Gross Trailer Weight so for example if your trailer weighs 7000lbs and have roughly 750lbs Can I Tow More Weight With A Weight Distribution Hitch? The high sides of travel trailers are very susceptible to wind gusts and bow waves from passing vehicles. When an Airstream is connected to the hitch, it increases the weight at the rear of the tow vehicle.

The hitch class you have: If you have a Class 3, 4, or 5 hitch, you can consider using a weight distribution system. The first link was about one inch short from placing it on the bracket before I would have raised it up. Consult your owners manual or dealership for more detailed information. If you continue to use the site, we will assume that this suits you. Whether alone or with a spotter, lining up to hitch a trailer can be a tension-filled ordeal, trying to perfectly position the trucks hitch ball under the trailer hitch coupler, so the truck and trailer can be physically joined., Pro Trailer Hitch Assist helps take the frustration out of hitching up. This replacement weight distribution hookup bracket makes it easy to attach a spring bar to the tongue frame of your trailer and get the exact tension needed to level your towing setup. If you want to tow at the higher of these two values, then you need to use a weight distribution hitch. Weight distribution hitches, also known as load-leveling hitches or equalization hitches, work to prevent issues that arise when youre towing a heavier load or notice an imbalance in the spread of weight across your axles. Your Tongue Weight typically sits between 10 and 15 percent of the total weight of your trailer, but it can change depending on the trailers design and how you load it. You must pick a weight distribution system with a weight range that matches or A larger weight distribution hitch affects your vehicles maximum hitch capacity and choosing one that is too big limits the weight you can tow. Do You Know How Long To Keep Fresh Water In RV Tank Storage? For conventional hitching only. If the rear of a tow vehicle settles significantly when a trailer is attached, it may be a good idea to add a weight-distribution hitch. If you have a trailer with surge brakes (only certain WD hitches are compatible with surge brakes). Ford employs about 176,000 people worldwide. |, How Ford Uses Artificial Intelligence to Make Hitching a Trailer Easier Than Ever, All-new Ford Pro Trailer Hitch Assist available exclusively for Ford F-Series uses sophisticated artificial intelligence, including computer vision and machine learning, to automatically back up and align a trucks hitch ball to a trailer coupler with a button push, Fords in-house team secured 60 patents while developing this industry-first technology, which automatically controls the trucks speed, steering and braking to make sure the trailer hitch ball is directly under a conventional trailer coupler, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is the latest example of Ford applying advanced technology to deliver smart solutions that improve the productivity of customers so they can spend more time on the job or enjoying the lake. Always go by the book here. Its best to avoid these issues by finding a weight-distribution hitch adequately sized for your vehicle and trailer. Add a sway control for even more safety or select the TruTrack for integrated control. When this happens, the rear wheels might lose traction when turning, accelerating or braking. In some cases, adjusting the length of your lift chains will get your measurements within your manuals acceptable range, so measure again before you make changes to your hitchs second adjustment point. When youre towing something much heavier or lighter than usual, youll need to make adjustments to your weight distribution hitch. In order to check your tongue weight, follow these steps: If the result of that calculation is within the proper tongue weight range for your loaded trailer, congratulations youre properly balanced. I am considering an Andersen weight distributing hitch to use with a new travel trailer that I am purchasing. It is essential to use a weight-distribution hitch of the proper rating to unlock the full potential of your vehicle. They used adjustable spring bars and tension to level everything out, distributing the excess tongue weight between your towing vehicles front and rear axles. Your account has been temporarily locked, so no orders can be placed at this time. The systems ultrasonic reverse parking aid system alerts the driver in case an obstacle is detected during the maneuver. I know with Blue Ox WDH they have a different model for underslung couplers than conventional couplers. If you have a trailer with a pole tongue (you may need a pole tongue adapter to use a WD hitch with it). $400 and up: High-end weight distribution hitches are often bulky or use advanced, streamlined designs that cut down on weight and size. Functionality varies by model. Ford collected a large volume of data to develop Pro Trailer Hitch Assists machine learning algorithms to detect a broad variety of trailers of varied sizes and types on different terrain and in various weather conditions. This article explains the adverse effects of using a weight-distribution hitch that is too big. Get a FREE copy of the Go Together Go Far Travel Trailer Hookup and Disconnect Checklist when you sign up for the Go Together Go Far Newsletter! Please contact our accounts receivable department at 877-287-8634 or email accountsreceivable@curtgroup.com. The difference between these two measurements is what your weight distribution hitch will eventually correct. Doing this allows you to drive your vehicle more easily while towing a heavier load.

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