WDH - I think I understand
OK a WDH distributes the hitch weight across three points (theoretically) - Front axle back axle, TT axle as opposed to simply at the hitch point. So for simple math a hitch weight of 900# would ...
Forum Discussion
sch911 wrote:
Weight is distributed across both of the tow vehicle axles, nothing much changes on the TT axles.
All of the hitch weight still goes on the tow vehicle. So you still add the full hitch weight to the tow vehicle. GVWR - Actual weight of tow vehicle = What you can carry.
Incorrect. Generally-speaking, with your typical 30-foot travel trailer, and most pickups, you will get a dead tongue weight distribution of roughly 1/3 on the trailer, 2/3 on the tow vehicle using a weight distributing hitch. Obviously everyone's rig is unique, and your mileage may vary, but that's a decent approximation for a lot of the rigs out there.
So, generally-speaking, if you have a 900lb tongue weight, when it's all said-and-done and adjusted, you will be bearing approximately 2/3 of the tongue weight across the tow vehicle's axles, and the remaining 1/3 will be borne by the trailer's axles.
Many of us have actual scaled weights to show the weight transfer. I'd be happy to share my numbers with you to let you do the math if you think it would help you understand the physics involved.
Ultimately, what APT wrote is a spot-on assessment of how they work and what happens.
