What is the Difference Between Max Carrying Capacity and Weight Distribution Capacity

Question:

Hello. I have a question about my Dodge Dakota 2007 hitch. I have a class 3 hitch, and I was wondering what is the difference between the Max carrying weight 5000lb / 500lb and the Weight distribution 8000lb / 800lb? We are thinking about getting a single axle RV like a Rockwood Mini lite 1905 and are trying to learn what we can. Thank you.

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

Absolutely, I am here to help! The max carrying weight of a hitch is how much the hitch can pull if you were to just hook your trailer up to the hitch and not use a weight distribution system.

The Gross Trailer Weight or GTW of this hitch is 5,000 lbs. and the Tongue Weight or TW of this hitch is 500 lbs. The GTW is how much weight the hitch can pull behind it and the tongue weight is the downward force that the tongue of the trailer applies to the hitch of the tow vehicle. So the hitch you are looking at can tow up to 5,000 lbs. and can handle a tongue weight of 500 lbs.

However, it is recommended to use a weight distribution system anytime the weight of a trailer exceeds half the weight of the vehicle. This is because your truck or tow vehicle will start to sag at around this weight capacity. A weight distribution system distributes the weight off your truck's back axle to the front axle so your truck is more perpendicular to the ground and allows for better handling on your vehicle. You are able to tow more weight with a weight distribution system because of this. So this is why the hitch you are looking at has a higher GTW and TW capacity when using a weight distribution system.

However, before towing you need to check the GTW and TW capacity of your truck. You are limited by your hitch or truck capacities depending on which is smaller.

If you do get a Rockwood Mini Lite 1905, I have a recommendation for a towing set up for you. For a hitch I recommend the Class III Draw-Tite Hitch # 75251. This has the same GTW and TW capacities of the hitch you were looking at. This hitch is confirmed to fit on your 2007 Dodge Dakota by Draw-Tite and has an easy bolt-on installation, no drilling or welding is required to install this hitch on your truck. This hitch does not come with a pin and clip, but I recommend the Draw-Tite Pin and Clip # PC3 which will fit on your hitch.

To find the correct weight distribution system you will need to figure out the TW of the Rockwood Mini Lite 1905. The Rockwood Mini Lite 1905 is about 3,127 lbs. unloaded and can carry an additional 770 lbs. and a trailer's TW is around 10-15 percent of your GTW weight so, somehwere between 390 lbs. and 590 lbs. maximum for the Mini Lite 1905. Knowing this, for the Mini Lite 1905 I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System with Anti-Sway # EQ37060ET. This has a GTW capacity of 6,000 lbs. and TW of 600 lbs. To complete the installation of this weight distribution system, you will need the thin walled socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches # EQ70-00-4800.

For trailer wiring I recommend the Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness # 118381 for your vehicle if you have a Factory 7 Way. If you do not have a factory 7 way I recommend the Tow Ready Wiring Harness # 118323.

I attached a weight distribution help article along with a help article on how to find the tongue weight of your trailer. I also attached a trailer wiring help article along with an article detailing what you will need to tow a trailer. I also attached an installation video for the Draw-Tite Hitch on a Dodge Dakota you may find helpful.