Forum Discussion

Fourkidletts's avatar
Fourkidletts
Explorer
Aug 29, 2020

Hitch weight high

I've spent hours trying to find the answer, please help me. I'm looking at a trailer tomorrow that has a hitch weight of 780. (my limit is 1320 with WDH) It's quite tongue heavy for it's size. Would that just mean that more of the storage would have to go into the back of the trailer? The main storage compartment is also in the front so I'm confused how this would work.

Also, if the weight distribution hitch takes weight off the back axle and spreads it, does it go to the front axle AND the trailer axles? If so, does that deduct from the payload?

It's 3:30 am and my brain is completely fried. I really hope I'm making some sense. I'm concerned about that tongue weight, for some reason it's much higher than some of it's longer TT in the group. I'm thinking maybe because of the murphy bed (?)

I'm looking at the Coachmen Freedom Express 238BHS if anyone wants to see what I'm talking about. I don't understand how weight can be safely distributed through this thing....Please help me understand.

UVW: 5312 lb
CCC: 2288 lb
GVWR says TBD (2021 model, can't find that spec)
  • Fourkidletts wrote:
    valhalla360 wrote:
    Trailer GVWR = UVW +CCC...so should be around 7600lb.

    Looks like it's around 14.7% (780/5312) hitch weight empty which is right within the ideal 12-15% range when empty.

    Assuming 12-15% hitch weight should be somewhere around 1000lb when loaded.

    Is the 1320lb...the maximum hitch weight or the truck payload? If it's the truck payload (yellow sticker on the door frame shows payload), you are likely overloaded.

    WDH does shift weight from the truck rear axle. It winds up on the front truck axle and on the trailer axles. A WDH will help a little with payload but it easiest to take it to a CAT scale to weigh it and see how much payload you have used.


    1320lb is the max hitch weight. 1780 is the payload.


    Hitch weight should be fine then.

    Looks like you have around 700lb available for passengers and gear in the truck.
  • I guess I should have read the post better. It was 5 am I was having coffee before work today.I agree with the others.
  • valhalla360 wrote:
    Trailer GVWR = UVW +CCC...so should be around 7600lb.

    Looks like it's around 14.7% (780/5312) hitch weight empty which is right within the ideal 12-15% range when empty.

    Assuming 12-15% hitch weight should be somewhere around 1000lb when loaded.

    Is the 1320lb...the maximum hitch weight or the truck payload? If it's the truck payload (yellow sticker on the door frame shows payload), you are likely overloaded.

    WDH does shift weight from the truck rear axle. It winds up on the front truck axle and on the trailer axles. A WDH will help a little with payload but it easiest to take it to a CAT scale to weigh it and see how much payload you have used.


    1320lb is the max hitch weight. 1780 is the payload.
  • I see a pattern in your posts...excessive or nearly excessive weight for your tow vehicle. Either gross trailer weight, tongue weight or both. Look at lighter trailer or a more capable truck.

    Most TTs don’t have much storage in the rear. They have the bathroom. This one has storage in the rear?
  • Trailer GVWR = UVW +CCC...so should be around 7600lb.

    Looks like it's around 14.7% (780/5312) hitch weight empty which is right within the ideal 12-15% range when empty.

    Assuming 12-15% hitch weight should be somewhere around 1000lb when loaded.

    Is the 1320lb...the maximum hitch weight or the truck payload? If it's the truck payload (yellow sticker on the door frame shows payload), you are likely overloaded.

    WDH does shift weight from the truck rear axle. It winds up on the front truck axle and on the trailer axles. A WDH will help a little with payload but it easiest to take it to a CAT scale to weigh it and see how much payload you have used.
  • If you have the proper spring bars that is ,rated for your trailer tongue weight and gross rate you should be ok. Adjustments might need to be made on the ball height and spring bars. There are great videos on youtube that explain in detail how to measure the tow vehicle and set up. As long as your tow vehicle has the capacity of your new camper you will be ok.worst case a new hitch and bars