A weight distribution system enables a tow vehicle to more effectively handle the tongue weight of a trailer by removing some of the load from the tow vehicle's rear axle and distributing it to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer's axle(s). Note - When the WD system is engaged the actual tongue weight does not change.
This summary was developed by team effort and was posted on 9/2/2004. I think it does a very good job of explaining to New Member WHAT a WD system does (and does not). However, it does not explain WHY the tow vehicle might need to be able to more effectively handle the tongue weight. We could begin the summary with a statement of WHY as a lead-in to the WHAT. The following have been offered as statements of WHY:
"From Equal-i-zer: With ordinary ball-type hitches, most of the trailer tongue-weight gets carried on the back axle of the tow vehicle, often this raises the front end of the vehicle."
Critique of this statement:
1) It is not "most of" the load that gets carried on the back axle. The added load is MORE THAN 100% (perhaps 150%) of the hitch load.
2) The hitch load does not "often" raise the front end. It ALWAYS decreases front axle load and raises the front end.
"Hitch-Web quote: Many vehicles can't carry the full tongue weight of a given trailer, and need some of the tongue weight transferred through the frame and pushing down on the front wheels."
Critique of this statement:
1) Doesn't really explain what happens at the rear axle.
"but the reason people who read this forum are interested in WDH is because a heavy tongue weight has overloaded the rear TV axle (and underloaded the front)."
Critique of this statement:
1) "overloaded" and "underloaded" need to be explained.
"When the trailer tongue is connected to the ball of a receiver, the rear axle bears much of the tongue weight. This raises the front of the tow vehicle and lowers the front of the trailer. --- First, the decreased load on the front axle can cause a loss of steering control and braking difficulties. Secondly, The increased load on your rear axle may be enough to exceed that axle's weight rating. Thirdly, the increased load on your receiver may be enough to exceed the weight rating of the receiver."
Critique of this statement:
1) "ball of a
hitch
" would be more accurate.
2) It is not "much of" the load that gets carried on the back axle. The added load is MORE THAN 100% (perhaps 150%) of the hitch load.
"If your trailer’s ball/tounge weight is causing the back end of the vehicle to sag, a weight distributing hitch can be used to return the vehicle to its normal height. Consult your owner’s manual to determine if your vehicle is suited for a WD hitch. --- When you hook your TT to your TV, the TT’s ball/tongue weight on the hitch causes an increased load on the TV’s rear axle and a decreased load on the TV’s front axle this may also cause your trailer’s COG to be effected ."
Critique of this statement:
1) Raises a very good point -- maybe New Member does not need a WD system.
2) Another good point -- not all TV's are suited for a WD system.
3) Any effect on the COG would be very small. Reference to the COG probably would tend to confuse.
Considering the above, a statement of WHY and WHAT could be:
Without a WD system, the TV's rear axle load could increase by as much as 150% of the TT's tongue weight depending on overhang and wheelbase. The front axle load could be decreased by as much as 50% of tongue weight. For most TV/TT combos, these axle load changes will make the TV unlevel. The decreased load on the front axle can cause a loss of steering control and braking difficulties. The increased rear axle load might exceed that axle's rating, and the load on the receiver might exceed its rating.
A weight distribution system enables a tow vehicle to more effectively handle the tongue weight of a trailer by removing some of the load from the tow vehicle's rear axle and distributing it to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer's axle(s). Note - When the WD system is engaged the actual tongue weight does not change.
Consult your owner’s manual to determine if your vehicle is suited for a WD system.Comments??
Ron
