Tongue Weight Redistribution

[iMaki]

Okay, I'm stumped. I ordered a travel trailer 7450 lbs dry weight and 1000 tongue weight. I purchased a 2004 Nissan Titan LE King Cab (tow package) with a max tow rating of 9200/9400 lbs (small spec discrepancy) and a hitch weight limit of 920 lbs. Will a good sway control weight distribution system like Equalizer alleviate the tongue weight enough to compensate for the tongue weight discrepancy? I do realize tongue weight increases with payload and fluid fills. Want to be sure my truck will handle the load safely. Any feedback most appreciated.

[bsjulestad]

No, it will not.

[NFlcamper]

Some factory hitches have 2 ratings. 1st is weight carrying. 2nd is weight distribution.
My old GMC had a weight carrying capacity of 1000# and weight distribution of 1200#.

Some hitches do not allow weight distribution at all. It puts torque on the hitch differently than a weight carrying hitch.

Do some reading in your manual to see what you can find.

[iMaki]

Says 920 lbs with weight distribution system.

[jesilvas]

You are using dry trailer weights. What is the GVWR? You're marginal right now. At full GVWR, you're way over.

No.

[marcham]

Check the rear axle load limit (gawr) and weight the truck axles as configured (passengers and cargo) for camping. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but your truck may not be able to safely tow that trailer. You'll probably need to look at 3/4 ton trucks at a minimum.

Tongue weight ratings from manufacturers don't include batteries or propane. You also need to account for the weight of the hitch.

Passengers and cargo in the truck further reduce the tongue weight limit (cargo capacity).

[Superslif]

My old tow vehicle 2005 Toyota 4Runner had a sticker on the hitch 750 lbs. tongue limit W/O a weight distribution hitch and 1100 lbs with a weight distribution hitch.

Personally I think you have too much trailer. 1000 lbs is a lot of tongue weight for a dry trailer. It's only going to go up. I would assume you are looking at 1200 lb. spring bars?

Says 920 lbs with weight distribution system.

Kind of surprised the Titan would have less hitch weight limits than my 4Runner. It had a coil link suspension that rode very smooth. You would think a leaf suspension would handle more.

[iMaki]

Hopefully my dealer can make this work with some modification. It's close enough to at least be possible. Plenty of tow power. I'll know tomorrow. I'm sure they run into this dilemma all the time.

[jesilvas]

They can't make the rig legal. That is what it is.
I'm sure they can set it up to ride level/etc./ if that's all you want.

[iMaki]

Yeah, just want to try it before I punt. I just bought the truck based on all specs except hitch load max which I admittedly miscalculated. And to think I almost bought a 3/4 ton! My bad!

[tuffr2]

A small half ton truck is really going to notice it is towing something that heavy.

If for short distances at lower than highway speeds on the level you might be ok.

I could tow 5,000lbs with a Honda Ridgeline just fine if I stayed on secondary roads at 45 to 55 mph. But not at highway speeds of 65 to 70 mph. That was down right scary.

[DavisK]

Originally Posted by Superslif

My old tow vehicle 2005 Toyota 4Runner had a sticker on the hitch 750 lbs. tongue limit W/O a weight distribution hitch and 1100 lbs with a weight distribution hitch.

Personally I think you have too much trailer. 1000 lbs is a lot of tongue weight for a dry trailer. It's only going to go up. I would assume you are looking at 1200 lb. spring bars?



Kind of surprised the Titan would have less hitch weight limits than my 4Runner. It had a coil link suspension that rode very smooth. You would think a leaf suspension would handle more.

The sticker on the hitch means the hitch was rated for 750/1100 lbs. not that the 4Runner itself was rated for that much. I had a 1984 Bronco with a rear bumper that said it was rated for 10,000 lbs./1,000 lbs. tongue weight, but the truck wasn't rated for that much.

[marcham]

Originally Posted by iMaki

Yeah, just want to try it before I punt. I just bought the truck based on all specs except hitch load max which I admittedly miscalculated. And to think I almost bought a 3/4 ton! My bad!

Your dealer is going to sell you whatever he thinks he can to get you out the door.... A weight distribution hitch does not change the load carrying capacity of your truck. You've got to seriously consider the safety of the occupants, others on the road and your potential liability should you have an accident and your insurance company proves you overloaded your vehicle.

If the manufacturer states 1000lb tongue weight, add 60lbs for the hitch, 100lbs for batteries and 60lbs for propane. The front storage locker can easily add another 50-100lbs to the tongue. Next consider where the water tanks are located and that can also add a lot.

Weight distribution hitches rebalance the load towards the truck front axle and trailer axle but by doing so increases the strain and forces applied to the hitch. They do not reduce the tongue weight.

[drewtk]

What's the payload rating? It should be on a sticker located on the driver door jamb.

That 1000 pound DRY tongue weight will probably go to 1200+ pounds loaded up, at which point you'll be waaay over your truck's 920 pound WD limit.