Towing capacity

[Jstpssng]

ever see the advertisement with the front wheel drive car towing a trailer with the rear wheels off the ground?? !

Ning just included that picture about 4 posts above you.

 

[Grumpycat]

Close, but no cigar The weight distribution hitch also puts weight on the trailer axles. The longer the spring bar, the more weight gets transferred to the trailer.

No, the load goes to the front wheels as well.

Weight Distributing Hitch is a misnomer. It is a Load Distributing Hitch. Weights do not move but the loads on the axles are moved.

 

[mwemaxxowner]

load leveller / weight distribution hitch. = the same thing!

In most cases one is required for loads over 5000 pounds.

I may be misunderstanding what you mean, but if by "load leveler" you mean something like airbags you're grossly mistaken. Airbags and the like are no substitute for a WDH and proper load distribution. Leveling up the load with bags does not generally make weight distribution any better, i.e. fix tongue weight or front axle load issues. In some cases it makes it worse! Just makes it appear better.

With my Curt True-Trac on my f150 with my camper I restore 100% of the front axle load back to the front axle of my truck. With 13% TW and plenty of weight on the steer axles it handles well.

 

[ning]

No, the load goes to the front wheels as well.

Weight Distributing Hitch is a misnomer. It is a Load Distributing Hitch. Weights do not move but the loads on the axles are moved.

You're both right and both saying the same thing
The WDH/LDH basically builds a weight bridge across the trailer/hitch coupling and can ultimately make the weight span from the rearmost trailer axle to the forwardmost tow vehicle axle if tensioned sufficiently and nothing bends or breaks in the process...

 

[MossRoad]

You'll find that a typical class IV or class V trailer hitch will have different ratings depending on the use or non-use of a weight-distributing hitch.

It doesn't affect the base vehicle's tow ratings, but you're not allowed to exceed the capacity of the hitch, either, even if you're within the limits of the truck.

Yes, I know that part of it. I have a hitch on my Suburban that's rated for 10,000# but the max tow rating is 8100#.

 

[LD48750]

load leveller / weight distribution hitch. = the same thing!

In most cases one is required for loads over 5000 pounds.

Must be a regional thing...
When I was growing up, load levelers were coil springs over the rear shocks.
We also had air bags that were used for more weight then the coil overs could handle.
WDHitches were the next step up.

 

[Chewwy]

load leveller / weight distribution hitch. = the same thing!

In most cases one is required for loads over 5000 pounds.

“Load levelers” is an imprecise term covering various products including but not limited to WD hitches. WD hitches are a specific set of products that transfer hitch load from the rear axle, rear suspension and rear tires of the tow vehicle. One should not be confused with the other.

 

[Egon]

Whatever?

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Yes, I agree except it is more than 2" on most pickup trucks and most loads. Depends on load of course ! In my experience with a typical 4WD pickup (springs-wise) and a GVWR load [trailer and what's on it combined] of around 8 to 10K lbs you want about 5 or 6" of drop in the back of the truck. The more total towed weight the more tongue weight you need. There are guidelines for % of the load that tongue weight should be (undoubtedly mentioned somewhere in the 109 posts above) but I never look at it that way. Like you I eyeball it and adjust to suit.

Ive always had Ford twin I beam. Can't put so much on rear that it lifts the front. I like a straight axle 4x4 best.

 

[newbury]

This should have ended the thread back at post #76

Thank you! You convinced me. The more I think about it, the less I think I need a trailer for my tractor. The cost of the trailer plus the cost of a truck with enough power to tow it just doesn't make sense in my case. I can pick up attachments from Arkansas (nearest EA free ship about 80 miles from me) with a smaller trailer. I can use a small trailer for a lot of stuff around my property. I can tow anything I need with a smaller truck like a Tacoma. I also can afford to wait a year or two. Who knows, by then Toyota may have their hybrid and EV trucks available.

But a LOT of misinformation gets dribbled in.

Most trailers are not fully compliant. If you buy a heavy duty 3/4 ton truck, you will have to go through the scales. The Highway Patrolman will let you know if you are non-compliant.

I've an F350 dually. When I tow it was with either a Hudson 12K rated trailer, filled to the brim, (or my "new" 10K rated cargo trailer for the last trip), from Va. to Ms and back. Probably 15 times in the last 10 years. Never once had to go through the scales.

When towing a bumper hitch trailer the rear of the truck should remain at the same level as when unloaded. This is what the wheel alignment is set up for. Adjustments come with the load leveller ( an item required for the heavier loads over 5000 pounds ?? ) or air bags.

Disagree, My F350 and MANY trucks are set up so they are butt high unloaded.

 

[Chewwy]

. . . If you buy a heavy duty 3/4 ton truck, you will have to go through the scales . . .

In most U.S. states going thru the scales (i.e., weigh stations) is only required for commercial vehicles.

 

[RandyT]

In most U.S. states going thru the scales (i.e., weigh stations) is only required for commercial vehicles.

But need to keep in mind that sometimes what states classify as commercial can be vague. In IL a vehicle with D plates(12K pounds) or larger is classified as commercial.

 

[Egon]

This should have ended the thread back at post #76

But a LOT of misinformation gets dribbled in.


I've an F350 dually. When I tow it was with either a Hudson 12K rated trailer, filled to the brim, (or my "new" 10K rated cargo trailer for the last trip), from Va. to Ms and back. Probably 15 times in the last 10 years. Never once had to go through the scales.


Disagree, My F350 and MANY trucks are set up so they are butt high unloaded.

How to set up a load leveller hitch! Procedure indicates as close to level as possible.

8 Simple Steps! Complete Weight Distribution Hitch Setup

Weight distribution hitch installation involves leveling the trailer, measuring vehicle and trailer height, mounting the hitch head, shank, spring bars and hookup brackets, and adjusting the weight distribution hitch as needed. In this guide, we will cover step by step how to set up a weight...

www.curtmfg.com

 

[fishdrivel]

This should have ended the thread back at post #76

But a LOT of misinformation gets dribbled in.


I've an F350 dually. When I tow it was with either a Hudson 12K rated trailer, filled to the brim, (or my "new" 10K rated cargo trailer for the last trip), from Va. to Ms and back. Probably 15 times in the last 10 years. Never once had to go through the scales.


Disagree, My F350 and MANY trucks are set up so they are butt high unloaded.

What Vehicles need to Stop?​

"Laws vary by state, but generally, commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds need to stop at all open scales. Some companies will send their trucks along pre-approved routes where drivers know from the beginning whether or not their vehicle can access the roadway. A driver should stop at scales when in doubt to avoid heavy tickets if caught carrying an overweight load. If the load is under the limit, at least the inspection lets the driver know how much the vehicle’s tires can handle.

Typically, commercial semis and rental vans with heavy loads will need to stop at all open weigh stations. Signs pointing to scales will usually state the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) needed to go through weigh stations, and most rented ones will have it printed on the side. The laws for specific vehicles and weights vary by state"

 

[newbury]

How to set up a load leveller hitch! Procedure indicates as close to level as possible.

8 Simple Steps! Complete Weight Distribution Hitch Setup

Weight distribution hitch installation involves leveling the trailer, measuring vehicle and trailer height, mounting the hitch head, shank, spring bars and hookup brackets, and adjusting the weight distribution hitch as needed. In this guide, we will cover step by step how to set up a weight...

www.curtmfg.com

Yes, ideally get it level, but many vehicles run butt high unloaded.

What Vehicles need to Stop?​

"Laws vary by state, but generally, commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds need to stop at all open scales. Some companies will send their trucks along pre-approved routes where drivers know from the beginning whether or not their vehicle can access the roadway. A driver should stop at scales when in doubt to avoid heavy tickets if caught carrying an overweight load. If the load is under the limit, at least the inspection lets the driver know how much the vehicle’s tires can handle.

Typically, commercial semis and rental vans with heavy loads will need to stop at all open weigh stations. Signs pointing to scales will usually state the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) needed to go through weigh stations, and most rented ones will have it printed on the side. The laws for specific vehicles and weights vary by state"

You did not say COMMERCIAL in your post.

Most trailers are not fully compliant. If you buy a heavy duty 3/4 ton truck, you will have to go through the scales. The Highway Patrolman will let you know if you are non-compliant. That's all I got.

And you definitely didn't say you were talking about commercial trucks over 10,000 lbs.

 

[MossRoad]

I'd guess 90% of the time we travel, the weigh stations are closed. Do they have a schedule?

 

[fishdrivel]

Yes, ideally get it level, but many vehicles run butt high unloaded.


You did not say COMMERCIAL in your post.

And you definitely didn't say you were talking about commercial trucks over 10,000 lbs.

What is a commercial vehicle varies from state to state.

 

[Chewwy]

What is a commercial vehicle varies from state to state.

But that only applies to vehicles registered in that state. If it’s not classified as a commercial vehicle in the state where it is registered, it is unlikely to be treated as a commercial vehicle in any state. A state cannot require a commercial DL if the state that issued your license does not.

 

[fishdrivel]

Truck towing overloaded kills, driver gets felony charges.

Here it is, the unicorn everyone asks about.... Where the driver gets charges based on an overloaded truck. https://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/2021/nov/23/truck-was-towing-double-max-weight-carson-city-cra/

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[JWR]

Help me understand what you are saying. An F150 used to be a 1/4 ton truck because it's payload was 500 pounds, or a quarter of a ton. Modern F150s are a wide range from 1280 lbs to over 3200 lbs. Most configurations are well over 1700 lbs payload. That makes most modern f150s at least a 3/4 ton truck. There was probably a time when an f150 had a 1000 lb payload. Is that what you mean? You have an older f150 that only has 1000 pound payload?

No idea how I missed replying to your post when it was current. My F-150 is 2015, 4WD., towing package equipped, EcoBoost 3.5L V6. First year of the aluminum ones. Many old timers refer to the 150's as 'half ton' and the 250's as '3/4 ton' to distinguish the class regardless of actual or specified load ranges. Same with 1500 versus 2500 in other brands. I have no doubt that many a 2022 Ford Ranger qualifies as a half ton truck by the numbers but for casual day- to- day talk you will never find a person calling it that.