WDH - how much does it reduce tongue weight?
We've been told that a good load distribution hitch will redistribute as much as 30% of the tongue weight. The vehicle we want can tow 7500# but is limited to a tongue weight of 600#. If what we...
Forum Discussion
MargaretB wrote:IMO, MB is saying that the maximum allowable vertical load on the OEM hitch receiver is 600#.
Here is what the manual says.
"The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight Rating (TWR) is the maximum weight permitted on the trailer drawbar: 600 lbs. limit for approved trailer couplings.
"MB recommends loading the trailer so that the drawbar noseweight remains between 8% and 15% of the permissible gross trailer weight."
A WDH does not reduce tongue weight, but it does reduce the amount of vertical load which the TT applies to the TV.
While it might be possible to achieve a load reduction equal to 30% of the TT's tongue weight, a reduction of 25% is more likely.
Since your MB manual does not acknowledge the possibility of using a WDH, it is prudent to assume the weight of a WDH would have to be added to the vertical load on the receiver.
If the TW is 800# and the WDH causes a load equal to 200# (25% of 800#) to be transferred to the TT's axles and the WDH weighs 100#, the vertical load added to the receiver would be 800-200+100 = 700#.
So, for this example, the load on the receiver would have been reduced only by 100# relative to not using a WDH.
Ron
