Confused on hitch weight

[TomHudson]

Greetings all, new member here.

I have a 19' light weight dual axle Fleetwood Prowler. I'm buying a second hand ML350 diesel to haul it, but am confused about tongue weight limits.

Dry, the trailer hitch is 250 lbs, but once you add propane tanks, battery, luggage in the storage, water etc it's going to be 600 lbs! For a light weight trailer (2500lbs dry) that's quite high?


At first I thought a class 3 hitch would work, but I'm thinking I'm way off! What monstrous hitch do I need to pull a "light weight" trailer!

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated..

Heavy tongued Tom Hudson

[select55]

Originally Posted by TomHudson

Greetings all, new member here.

I have a 19' light weight dual axle Fleetwood Prowler. I'm buying a second hand ML350 diesel to haul it, but am confused about tongue weight limits.

Dry, the trailer hitch is 250 lbs, but once you add propane tanks, battery, luggage in the storage, water etc it's going to be 600 lbs! For a light weight trailer (2500lbs dry) that's quite high?


At first I thought a class 3 hitch would work, but I'm thinking I'm way off! What monstrous hitch do I need to pull a "light weight" trailer!

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated..

Heavy tongued Tom Hudson

whats your worry???
Class 3 hitch rating

• Hauls a gross trailer weightof up to 8,000 pounds
• Handles a tongue weight of up to 800 pounds

[TomHudson]

Thank you for a very quick response..

I think I'm confused on the internet postings of hitch limits..
I thought 600 was the limit on these class 3 hitches..
Always wondering if I toss a generator or coolers in there...


Tom

Ps

I hope I posted this in the correct section..

[select55]

Originally Posted by TomHudson

Thank you for a very quick response..

I think I'm confused on the internet postings of hitch limits..
I thought 600 was the limit on these class 3 hitches..
Always wondering if I toss a generator or coolers in there...


Tom

Ps

I hope I posted this in the correct section..

I doubt a little 19 foot tandum axle trailer will have that much tongue weight

[TomHudson]

Originally Posted by select55

I doubt a little 19 foot tandum axle trailer will have that much tongue weight

So was I.

The front really extends out past the axles. Tongue weight is 250lbs

Water tank etc all adds up!

I was confused that a light weight trailer would require a heavy duty hitch.

For clarification I have a class 3 on my Caravan and towed that trailer last year without issue. The new Ml350 was just to replace for towing ease and day to day lifestyle requirements!

I just want to do it right

[82ndCowboy]

It all depends on where you get your info from.

From Joe blow website...

Class III

These versatile trailer hitch receivers are typically installed on pickup trucks, minivans, and full-size SUVs. Class III hitches use a 2" x 2" receiver tube for the ball mount, and they are rated for towing a gross trailer weight ranging from 3,500 to 6,000 lbs and a tongue weight ranging from 350 to 600 lbs. These are usually used for towing mid-sized campers, utility trailers, and mid-sized boats.
Opening Sizes - GTW - Tongue Weight Capacity
2" - 3,500-6,000 lbs - 350-600 lbs

Different manufacture's are going to have different standards.
As well as websites.
So your best option is go to the manufacturer of your hitch to get their weight rating for their product.

From Reese website...
Class III - Larger trailers and accessories

1. Class III hitches used as weight carrying are rated up to 6000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a 600 lbs. maximum trailer tongue weight (TW).
2. Class III hitches used for weight distributing are rated up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a 1000 lbs. maximum trailer tongue weight (TW)
3. Class III hitches are weight carrying (WC) and also are weight distributing (WD) depending on the vehicle and hitch specifications.
4. Not all Class III hitches are rated to be both. See the specific hitch for that information.
5. A Class III hitch usually has a 2" square receiver opening.
6. A higher class ball mount does not increase the towing capacity of the hitch. To use this class of hitch for weight distribution requires a weight distribution system.
7. Class III hitches attach to the vehicle frame only.

[select55]

class 111 for ml350
Gross Trailer Weight: 5000 lbs.
Tongue Weight: 500 lbs.

your in good shape with the 19 ft trailer fully loaded

[TomHudson]

Originally Posted by select55

class 111 for ml350
Gross Trailer Weight: 5000 lbs.
Tongue Weight: 500 lbs.

your in good shape with the 19 ft trailer fully loaded

Cheers,

After I pick up the ML, I'll hit Action and see what they have..

Looking forward heading out to Mosport without a worry..

[ahicks]

Tom, I struggle with your tongue weight estimate as well. Keep in mind that when you add weight in back of the ball, part of that weight will be supported by the trailer's axles. The further back, the higher percentage of the weight placed on the axles. For example (No clue of specifics of course), but that water tank on a 19' trailer could be half way between the trailer ball and the axles. That would mean that the weight of any water in that tank would be split between/equally supported by the hitch and the axles.

[TomHudson]

Thank you,

I would agree as well that the weight of the water tank as it goes back towards. the centerpoint, is reduced in tongue weight.
I believe that my concerns are alleviated that even with the extra weight, the class III hitch will be plenty to ease my concerns.

I have a large deep cycle battery, because I use the solar panels to supply any electrical needs, two propane tanks, and of course odds and ends tucked away in the cubbies.

I appreciate all the feedback, it allows me time to get everything prepared properly for the spring.

TomHudson