Travel trailer / tow vehicle combo question

rjstractor wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:
An important distinction:
- Max Hitch Weight
- Max Payload

Are each checked independently.

Let's say:
- WDH has a 1000lb limit
- Truck has a 1500lb limit
- You load 1000lb of people and gear into the truck and the trailer (ready to roll) has a 1000lb hitch weight

Your hitch weight is fine but you are over payload by 500lb. (also would want to check rear axle rating at the same time)

Yet another important factor is that if the WD hitch is adjusted correctly, the entire hitch weight is not carried by the vehicle alone- a portion of that hitch weight is transferred back onto the trailer axles. In setting up an equipment trailer a few years ago at work I verified on an approximately 1200 lb hitch weight, about 300 lbs was transferred back to the trailer and the same amount to the front axle. This of course will vary by the individual setup, but the end result should be that the tow vehicle doesn't carry the entire hitch weight. After it's all set up it's important to verify that the rear axle rating is not exceeded.

The description above is the best I've seen in support of the whole "idea or theory" regarding the use of W.D. hitches. It spreads the weight across all the axles for a more controlled and balanced ride. I know this is a bit of Hi-Jack going on here on my part.....but very well described.