Obviously, the answer to my question is going to depend, but what is a good rule of thumb to use when estimating how much weight a WD Hitch will transfer from the hitch?Another thread recently suggested an estimate of 20-25%.

Don't know about weight. I do mine by inches. When I get the front back down really close to the before hookup measurement. I'm good.

I go by weight, as verified on the scales. Whatever came off the front axle before WD is applied, gets restored by the weight distribution hitch. That concept is commonly referred to as FALR ( front axle load restoration ). On my truck, once I do that, the measurement of the front height is also restored to "normal" height, and the rear is squatting almost an inch compared to normal. All setup with both a tape measure and CAT scale. Works for me. Others opinions will vary, of that I am sure.

Guess I should have been a little more clear with my question.I'm trying to estimate the amount of weight transferred by the WD Hitch to determine how much of the trailer tongue weight will not be supported by the hitch. Bottom line is that my tow vehicle can carry a max of 1453 lbs per the door sticker. I'm shopping for a new travel trailer and want to make sure that I consider the weight that the WD Hitch will relieve from the hitch weight of the travel trailer.

All of the tongue weight of the trailer will be on the hitch ball.

The hitch still sees the full TW. In Ron's terms the amount of vertical load on the hitch and tow vehicle axles is reduced by about some amount. I say about 20% when the front axle is load is restored to unhitched amount. However, some vehicle manufacturers are suggesting restoring only 50% of the weight lost on the front axle when using a WDH. This will mean the rear axle is more heavily loaded and less transferred back to the trailer axles.Example:1000 pounds of TWball on hitch means about 1400 pounds increase to rear axle weight, 400 pound decrease on front axleWDH with front axle weight 100% restored would mean rear axle bears 800 pounds (instead of 1400) and TT axles bear an additional 200 pounds.WDH with 50% front load restored means front axle loses 200 pounds, rear axle gains 1100, TT gains 100. So net on TV axles is 90% of TW.IMHO, if you are concerned about 200 pounds, buy a much smaller TT or larger TV. Otherwise, there are many people who end up over at least one of their TV's ratings and travel safely to their destination.

WD Hitch Weight % Transferred | Good Sam Community

Bob_Olallawa
Explorer
Jan 29, 2014
All of the tongue weight of the trailer will be on the hitch ball.
kgarrett9999
Explorer
Jan 29, 2014
Guess I should have been a little more clear with my question.

I'm trying to estimate the amount of weight transferred by the WD Hitch to determine how much of the trailer tongue weight will not be supported by the hitch.

Bottom line is that my tow vehicle can carry a max of 1453 lbs per the door sticker. I'm shopping for a new travel trailer and want to make sure that I consider the weight that the WD Hitch will relieve from the hitch weight of the travel trailer.
gmw_photos
Explorer
Jan 29, 2014
I go by weight, as verified on the scales. Whatever came off the front axle before WD is applied, gets restored by the weight distribution hitch. That concept is commonly referred to as FALR ( front axle load restoration ). On my truck, once I do that, the measurement of the front height is also restored to "normal" height, and the rear is squatting almost an inch compared to normal. All setup with both a tape measure and CAT scale. Works for me. Others opinions will vary, of that I am sure.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Jan 29, 2014
Don't know about weight. I do mine by inches. When I get the front back down really close to the before hookup measurement. I'm good.

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WD Hitch Weight % Transferred

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