![trailer axle weight distribution trailer axle weight distribution](https://dealer-cdn.com/media/usa-trailer/weight-distribution.jpg)
And if we add the max payload of 1840-pounds, we get our GVWR of 6,900 pounds. If we add the base weight of the front and rear axles together, we get 5,065 pounds, which is the curb weight of our vehicle. Note: the weight of the hitch itself is included in the payload calculations. So, in our example: 6,900 GVWR – 5,065 Curb Weight = 1,835 Payload. So, what this tells us is, the more weight you put in or on the tow vehicle, the less you can tow. Note: This happens more often with a 5 th wheel trailer, because the hitch or pin weight is directly over the tow vehicle’s rear axle. Payload is important, especially if the weight added on or in the vehicle causes it to exceed the Rear Axle Weight Rating (RAWR) or the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Payload is all of the weight placed in or on the vehicle. Mutually exclusive means, of or relating to a situation involving two or more events, possibilities, in which the occurrence of one precludes the occurrence of the other. One interesting note is: Ram states that Payload and the Trailer Weight Rating are mutually exclusive. This probably looks confusing now, but once we start adding things up it will make more sense. It is not safe to exceed any weight or weight rating. Note: All of these weights and weight ratings are important in properly matching a tow vehicle to a trailer. Here are the vehicle specs we need to look at Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) It has a 5.7L hemi engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Our truck is a Ram 1500 crew cab with a 5’7” bed and it is 2WD. I’ll try to keep our towing example simple
![trailer axle weight distribution trailer axle weight distribution](https://batrkr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/overweigt-on-tandem.jpg)
#TRAILER AXLE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION MANUALS#
The VIN number, labels posted on the vehicle and vehicle owner’s manuals are helpful in locating some of the information. Verify all of the vehicle’s information prior to purchasing the vehicle. And, don’t believe everything a salesperson tells you. The footnotes will help guide you as to what vehicle configurations can tow what amounts of weight. RV 101 Tip: If you use a towing guide pay particular attention to the footnotes. And possibly most importantly, what is the rear axle ratio?ĭid you know there can be two trucks that are identical to each other except for the rear axle ratio, and the tow capacities can be thousands of pounds different.It’s important to understand when you select a tow vehicle you need to research all of the variables. I mentioned a moment ago there are lots of variables that contribute to trailer sway, and the same applies to the trailer and tow vehicle weights too. I won’t sugar coat this, because both of these situations are extremely dangerous to you the driver, your family members, and other travelers on the same road as you. But if the lateral forces do overcome the tire friction, trailer sway can start. If the tongue weight (what generates friction to the tow vehicle’s rear tires) is properly distributed to all of the tires on the tow vehicle, most lateral forces you encounter will not be sufficient to start trailer sway. On the other hand, a trailer with too much tongue weight, causes the front tires to lose friction which in turn affects the steering and handling. So, it’s important to understand, if you are towing a loaded trailer with less than 10 percent tongue weight it can contribute to trailer sway because the tires lose friction on the road surface. But too much tongue weight can affect the tow vehicle’s steering and handling, and too little tongue weight can result in a loss of traction, contributing to trailer sway. This added weight to the tow vehicle’s rear axle generates friction to the tow vehicle’s rear wheels. Imagine for a moment what happens when tongue weight is applied to a hitch ball. There are lots of variables that contribute to trailer sway, but perhaps most importantly is the trailer’s tongue weight. For trailers weighing more than 2,000 pounds, the recommended trailer tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the fully loaded trailer. Trailer tongue weight is the amount of weight exerted straight down on the trailer’s hitch ball. With that said, I want to begin with some trailer towing basics. To help you make a good choice when it comes to properly and safely matching a tow vehicle with a trailer, in regards to trailer tongue weight and towing.To explain these confusing topics in layman terms, so it is easier to understand.Today we are going to discuss a couple of confusing topics in the world of trailer towing, Understanding Tow Vehicle and Trailer Weights & Trailer Tongue Weight with a Weight Distribution Hitch.