Batmovan,
What you just suggested is what I am hoping will happen to this thread. It has been one of the most interesting and informative threads I have seen on the forums. I think, if after it is all hashed out and everyone (I hope!) comes to agreement on the terms, someone will summarize into one or two paragraphs which I will then petition the Admin to make sticky at the top of the Towing forum. I like your idea of a link to this long discussion also.
Keep it up guys! :)
Barney
This would be a good ending to a long story with many chapters all having many interesting twists. 4runnerguy, I like your summaries.
If I had to choose and ending/sticky I might use (or slightly modify) one of the manufacturers definitions and then expand on it/clarify it with the knowledge gained by this thread. I now think it is important to use a manufacturer's definition because they were designed for the layman to understand and those are the definitions people will see when they research WD hitch systems like Equal-i-zer and Reese Dual Cam.
I would define tongue weight, then the WD system, and then add our 2 cents to look something like this:
TONGUE WEIGHT
Tongue weight, as a percentage of total trailer weight, is a measure of the relative location of the trailer's center of gravity. Axle location and trailer loading directly affect tongue weight. Desired tongue weight to minimize sway is 12% to 15%.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
A hitch system built around a receiver hitch, which includes supplemental equipment such as spring bars that work to distribute trailer tongue loads to the trailer axle(s) and the tow vehicle front axle. Use of a weight distribution system enhances handling and braking and increases trailer towing capacity beyond what is recommended when a weight carrying hitch is used.
NOTE:
Use of a WD system does not reduce or change the original tongue weight and will not "lighten" the tongue causing sway. A WD system does reduce the hitch weight to increase the capacity of the receiver.
