Can I use a WDH on a DP
I tow a 22' enclosed trailer behind the DP in my signature. It has a 10,000 lb hitch with a 1000 lb tongue weight capacity. I have been hauling a UTV weighing 1100 lbs in the front and a 3200 lb...
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hotjag1 wrote:
I tow a 22' enclosed trailer behind the DP in my signature. It has a 10,000 lb hitch with a 1000 lb tongue weight capacity.
I have been hauling a UTV weighing 1100 lbs in the front and a 3200 lb Suzuki Grand Vitara in the rear. I recently weighed the tongue with a scale (Sherline) and it weighed 1400 lbs...yikes!
Is 200 lbs over the tongue rating a big No No, or do the manufacturers allow for a little overage? If not, how do I use a WDH on a DP?
It has ride height valves(always sits level)no matter how much weight is on the hitch, so how can I know if I am adjusting weight from rear to front of the DP?
There are people a lot more knowledgeable than me on here so I welcome any options or suggestions.
You haven't provided enough information to answer your question.
You state you have a 10,000 lb. hitch. The general rule of thumb is that the tongue weight should be between 9% and 15% of the loaded trailer weight. Where did you get the 1000 lb tongue weight limitation? It could be a little light for a 10,000 lb hitch but that could be the chassis manufacturers limitation.
What is the empty weight of your trailer? Using a quick google search, . . . a typical enclosed dual axle trailer weight for a 8.5' x 22' trailer is 3400 lbs., your loaded total trailer weight is:
1100 + 3200 + 3400 = 7700 lbs. so you are good there. (as long as your trailer isn't overloaded - use tandem 5200 lb. rated axles)
.15% x 7700 = 1155 lbs. so you aren't too far off on the max. recommended tongue weight.
Not knowing your leveling system, you may be able to change the tongue weight by altering the ride height slightly. Check with the manufacturer(s).
Exceeding the tongue weight on a relatively light tow vehicle with a short wheelbase and a long overhang (behind the rear axle) could be a serious issue, but, that's not what you have. Just the opposite.
How does the trailer tow now? You might be closer than you think to being OK as long as you don't overload the rear axle of the MH and exceed the GCWR.
Chum lee
