GVWR Calculation Question

Omodan wrote:
Manual states "if using a weight distribution hitch when towing, return the front axle to the same weight as before the trailer connection."

Good -- that's as I remember.

I honestly don't know how you can keep a vehicle level as before unloaded, add almost 1000 lbs to the back end and not increase the weight on the front axle at all. I would assume it would have to increase some front axle weight or the vehicle would shift down in the rear, which the WDH is designed to counteract. Maybe I just don't understand how a WDH actually operates.

When the WDH was invented back in the 1950s, it was used in an attempt to "equalize" the net load change on the TV's front and rear axles.
Some people believed the goal was to achieve a load increase equal to 1/3 of the tongue weight on the front axle, the rear axle, and the TT axle(s).

A prevalent current thinking is that the WDH shoul be used to restore the front axle to its unhitched load or height.
It no longer is considered necessary to "re-level" the TV. A rear-end sag of 1-2" is acceptable.

I mention staying level because the manual uses keeping the front at the same distance between the tire and fender as a means to ensure the weight load has not changed for the front axle.

Yes, the intent is to use the WDH to add back enough load onto the front axle to compensate the load which was removed when the TT was attached with no WD applied.
The objective is to return the front end to the unhitched height or load.
That automatically implies that the rear axle will be carring an added load equal to about 75-80% of the tongue weight. The rear end will sag below the unhitched height.

Ok, I'm amused. The knowledgeable info I was quoting was posted by you in 2004. I assume I'm interpretation of you comments are wrong.

Ten years ago, I did post an example of a 900# tongue weight, and a WDH adjusted to apply 1000# to each WD bar, which produced a net load increase of 162# on the front axle.
I also stated: "The 1/3-1/3-1/3 distribution can only be achieved for selected combinations of TV/TT dimensions. However, it is relatively easy to produce an UP force equal to 1/3 of the "tongue weight" at the TT's axles. It is more difficult to get the TV's axle reactions to be equal. And, I do not think that is the primary objective of the WD hitch."

Sorry about the confusion,

Ron