Payload weight distribution question

Brngrhd wrote:
How does that all play out? If you have 1400lb payload and 1000lb tongue weight that leaves 400lbs for passengers and other "stuff" if your hitch moves 300lbs back onto the TT does that free up 300lbs of payload?

You're catching the "weight police" in action and you are asking the right questions in return!!!

The WDH distributes/moves weight to the TT axles and the front axle of the TV. Technically (by the numbers) it does affect payload by the amount transferred from the TV to the TT, and there is no basis to argue this fact. It is an easily verified fact.

This is the other side of the story; Some try skirt the ratings using WDH. For example, you could easily be over a tongue weight spec, but with WDH the actual weight on the tongue is "reduced". Being over the OEM rating is over the rating. Using WDH to cheat the ratings is no different than using air bags or HD rear springs to level an over loaded truck. Over the ratings is over the ratings, and the weight police also throw around a made up 80% rule to alow even more tolerance. Subtract 20% from all your ratings they say.

I prefer to calculate exactly as you are doing, using OEM ratings with logic and actual weights. Just keep in mind, real weights can only come from the scale. When your so close to the specs, start watching axle weights and gross combined weight, which are more critical than payload, by far.