Weight Distribution for a 4000 Pound Trailer with 400 Pound Tongue Weight
Question:
My trailer gvw is 4000, tongue weight 400. I was told I didnt need a special hitch with a light weight trailer. However, when I hook up the trailer, my trailblazer rear end s about 4 inches. The trailer looks level but the back end of the car is really dipped. Any suggestions?
asked by: Thomas G
Expert Reply:
If the rear end of your vehicle sags significantly when the trailer is hooked up then you could have an unsafe condition and your front end and tires will not wear properly. The weight is taken off of the front wheels of the vehicle and can cause loss of control, especially when towing in adverse conditions such as rain, snow, high winds or if a sudden maneuver has to be made.
A weight distribution system will level out the vehicle and distribute the tongue weight between the vehicles axles and trailers axles. When installing a weight distribution system you will be able to set it up so that the vehicles ride height, front and rear, is the same as it is when not hooked to the trailer.
To select the proper weight distribution system you need to know the gross weight and the tongue weight of your trailer fully loaded and ready to travel. Once you know these weights you can select a weight distribution system that will work with your trailer and vehicle and will provide the best ride possible also. Selecting a weight distribution system that is to small will stress the system parts and not provide the correct amount of weight transfer to the axles of the vehicle and trailer. A system that is rated to high will cause a rough, stiff ride. You need to select a system that has a weight capacity range that your trailers tongue weight will fit into.
If your trailer has a 400 pound tongue weight and 4,000 pound gross weight when fully loaded and ready to travel I would recommend the Reese Heavy Duty Round Bar Weight Distribution System, 600 lbs, item # RP65509. This system allows for tongue weights between 200 and 600 pounds and would be sized correctly for the trailer weights you have indicated, while allowing for Extra loading should your gear weight change somewhat over time. If you are concerned about sway control you can also add the Dual Cam High Performance Sway Control, item # RP26002, to the system which is the best sway control design and counteracts sway before it begins.
If you find that your tongue weight is over 400 pounds but less than 750 pounds then you can select the Reese Heavy Duty Round Bar Weight Distribution System, 750 lbs, item # RP67509, which will also accept the dual cam sway control mentioned.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control for Steel Trailer Frames
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 4,500 lbs GTW, 450 lbs TW
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball
- Shop: Curt MV Weight Distribution System - Round Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Q&A: What Towing Mirrors do I Want for My 2022 Nissan Armada?
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Shop: CIPA Universal Towing Mirrors - Clip On - Qty 2
- Shop: Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: Is a Weight Distribution System Required for Towing a 3,000 lb Trailer
- Shop: Longview Custom Towing Mirrors - Slip On - Driver and Passenger Side
- Shop: 2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Q&A: Which Weight Distribution Hitch For 5,000 lb Trailer
- Shop: Rear View Safety Backup Camera System with Trailer Tow Quick Connect Kit - 2 Cameras
- Search Results: backup camera
- Video: DIY Install: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control on your 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Q&A: Towing Mirrors for a 2020 Nissan Frontier
- Video: Towing Mirror Options - Custom Fit VS Universal Fit
- Search Results: c51392
- Video: Install: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness on a 2022 Honda Ridgeline
- Search Results: military discount
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: CIPA Dual-View Clip-on Towing Mirror Road Test
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the CIPA Universal Fit Towing Mirror
- Video: Beginner’s Guide to Installing the CIPA Universal Fit Towing Mirror on a 2018 Nissan Frontier
on Weight Distribution Hitch
