We installed a 7 pin harness and a brake controller. My main question is about weight distribution systems. I am trying to understand the way the tongue weight rating works. Is the value of 291 when the trailer is loaded at the max? So if we don't load it to the max, will the tongue weight be lower? It seems logical.
The 291lbs is the tongue weight of your "dry" trailer, no options or anything in the trailer. It will be the minimum you would see. You could potentially double that once it's loaded. Newer TTs tend to show the delivered or wet weight will include options added such as propane tanks and the battery but nothing else in the trailer. If yours is truly the dry weight you can add at least 100lbs just for a propane tanks and battery if they're located on the tongue. Anything else added into the TT will also increase the tongue weight if it's located ahead of the axles.
If your dry weight is 2700lbs, figure another 2-300lbs for options and that would only leave you around 500lbs for "stuff" in the TT. For a family moving xcountry I would guess you will be at max GVWR for the TT. The average recommended tongue weight should be around 13% of loaded TT weight which would put you around 450lbs. A 500/5000lbs WD hitch would suit your needs.
