Without a WD system, the TV's rear axle load could increase by as much as 150% of the TT's tongue weight depending on overhang and wheelbase. The front axle load could be decreased by as much as 50% of tongue weight. For most TV/TT combos, these axle load changes will make the TV unlevel. The decreased load on the front axle can cause a loss of steering control and braking difficulties. The increased rear axle load might exceed that axle's rating, and the load on the receiver might exceed its rating.
A weight distribution system enables a tow vehicle to more effectively handle the tongue weight of a trailer by removing some of the load from the tow vehicle's rear axle and distributing it to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer's axle(s). Note - When the WD system is engaged the actual tongue weight does not change.
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Critique of the above statement:
I would say the first two sentences are confusing. I understand what you are saying, but the percentages will be confusing to someone who knows little about WD hitches. I would be thinking to myself "How could my rear axle load increase by more than the tongue weight I am adding to it??" I also think the percentages are unnecessary.
I think it needs to be simplified. We are not writing this statement for ourselves but for the new members benefit.
I still like the second paragraph if you want to go back to that definition of what a WD system does. However I would simplify your first paragraph to read like this:
Without a WD system, the tow vehicle's rear axle load could significantly increase from the added tongue weight. Conversely the front axle load will be decreased. These axle load changes will make most tow vehicles unlevel. The decreased load on the front axle can cause a loss of steering control and braking difficulties. The increased rear axle load might exceed that axle's rating, and the load on the receiver might exceed its rating.
I would consider adding the recommended tongue weight percentage range to the end of the second paragraph. Those percentages are very important.
So the whole thing would look like this:
Without a WD system, the tow vehicle's rear axle load could significantly increase from the added tongue weight. Conversely the front axle load will be decreased. These axle load changes will make most tow vehicles unlevel. The decreased load on the front axle can cause a loss of steering control and braking difficulties. The increased rear axle load might exceed that axle's rating, and the load on the receiver might exceed its rating.
A weight distribution system enables a tow vehicle to more effectively handle the tongue weight of a trailer by removing some of the load from the tow vehicle's rear axle and distributing it to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer's axle(s). Note - When the WD system is engaged the actual tongue weight does not change. Recommended tongue weight is from 13% to 15%.
