Which Weight Distributing Hitch?

[Bob K4TAX]

Weight distribution hitches are rated for maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue weight. Use the numbers for your trailer and make sure your WDH is at least 20% to 30% greater. When installed correctly the WDH will distribute the tongue weight equally to the 4 wheels of the tow vehicle.

In our case, our truck with the factory tow package only settles 1/2" at the rear axle and 1/2" at the front axle with the trailer on and WDH applied. Tongue weight was 750 measured lbs.

Go to a level parking lot, chock the trailer wheels, uncouple the trailer, and measure the tow vehicle height from the ground to the bottom edge of the fenders, front, and rear, and at the center of the axles. Use a piece of masking tape and mark the number in each location. Couple the trailer and connect the WDH and re-measure. The front and rear should drop by equal amounts. If not, then the WDH is not correctly set up and adjusted.

 

[Zulu Kono]

Tundra is 3/4 with a 10,000lb towing capacity!!!

Please post photos!
Specifically of the wheels.

 

[Rich W.]

Tundra is 3/4 with a 10,000lb towing capacity!!! And the trailer I towed with it had was a 36’ prowler with a 9800lb gross! 36’
View attachment 11932

And no air bags don’t do anything for weight distribution but they do everything for leveling! Which according to the picture shows the sagging, I don’t think a weight distribution hitch won’t do much for that!

10,000 is 1500lbs less capacity than an average F150. So where they get the 3/4 ton rating is a mystery to me but I would definitively say that 36’ is more trailer than a Tundra should be towing. Will it move it down the road? Sure. Is it a responsible truck/trailer combo? Probably not.

 

[Zulu Kono]

10,000 is 1500lbs less capacity than an average F150. So where they get the 3/4 ton rating is a mystery to me but I would definitively say that 36’ is more trailer than a Tundra should be towing. Will it move it down the road? Sure. Is it a responsible truck/trailer combo? Probably not.

Where I come from, if it ain't got eight
lug nuts per wheel, it ain't a 3/4 ton.

 

[Msdpok]

Where I come from, if it ain't got eight
lug nuts per wheel, it ain't a 3/4 ton.

Instead of debating just google Toyota Tundra with the 5.7 engine? I had a 2009.

 

[Zulu Kono]

Instead of debating just google Toyota Tundra with the 5.7 engine? I had a 2009.

Nothing to debate.
If your Tundra has fewer than
eight lugs per wheel, it ain't a 3/4 ton.
I guess it could "identify" as a 3/4 ton,
but that don't make it so any more than
the swimmer dude putting on a woman's
bathing suit and calling himself a "she".
Go try to rent a car hauler from
U-Haul with your five-lug Tundra.
It ain't happening.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Refer to the Owner Manual and chart for the specific engine and rear end configuration for the tow vehicle. That will disclose the maximum tow rating of the vehicle. Believe and adhere to those numbers. For a margin of safety, it is recommended one should tow at 80% of the maximum tow rating of the vehicle. Makes no difference if it is a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, or 1 ton. They ALL have specific tow ratings, which are published for a reason.

Also, there is the cargo rating of the vehicle. This included passengers, trailer tongue weight and all the "stuff" one puts in the tow vehicle.

The numbers are available for the tow vehicle, the trailer, and the hitch. Read them and believe them. The math is very simple.

What others think or say or do is of no value.

 

[Neal]

A few posts removed. Please keep it kind, keep it respectful...

 

[Redfour5]

Just bought a '97 Dutchmen 26' TT.
Tow vehicle is a '96 Chevy K2500 Suburban with 7.4 vortec.
The trailer sits pretty high, like the axles were flipped.
The Suburban, otoh, is completely stock.
Super saggy at the hitch, so I'm planning to get a weight
distribution hitch for it, but there are so many different ones.
Any opinions on which brand is superior and why?
Thanks in advance!

Based upon the size, consider fastway E2. It is the less expensive version of the Equalizer but more than adequate for what you have and you get some sway control and can back up without unhooking chains. Avoiding chains like the plague is my mantra. Pretty decent on price also.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Selecting a Weight Distribution System​

The tongue weight rating is the most important factor in determining which size weight distribution system you should use. If the bars of the system you choose is rated too high for your setup, they will create a rigid ride, which can result in a bouncing trailer. If, on the other hand, the bars are not rated high enough, the system will be unable to properly distribute the weight, rendering it virtually useless.

To determine the proper weight rating for a weight distribution system, you must first determine your trailer's tongue weight. Then add to that the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. These two measurements make up the tongue weight rating for a weight distribution system