Sizing weight distributing hitch?

[rabbit]

Given the assumption that I need a WDH, what tongue wgt. rating would be correct for a Burro 17' Widebody? Checked the "trailer weight" thread; two such Burro trailers there showed approx. 3200 lbs. GTW and between 350 and 450lb tongue wgt loaded to roll. Previous owner supplied a Reese Pro Series #49587 in the box; never used. It is rated for 5 ton GTW and 600 to 1000 on the tongue. Obviously the capacity is "greater" than needed but 1) is it merely overkill and usable? or 2) likely to function unreliably? Tug is 2005 4runner V6. Trailer is very well-behaved in the tail-wagging dept. and both trailer and tug sit level on a 5 1/4" drop drawba. Getting some weight off the back axle onto the front appears a good idea but I have no frame of reference to judge. I also don't care for the occasional pitching and bucking from a standing stop and thought perhaps the WDH is the solution to control that phenom. Should I use the hitch I've got or toss it on Ebay and get another/none at all?

jack

[Borden]

600 sounds good as cargo in back in on hitch. 300 tongue plus all behind axle of tv in trunk plus wd hitch weight could be 400 to 500 when done
400/4000 has (100 to 400 tongue range) 600/10000 has (200 to 600 tongue range) I was told but go to the hitch expert to confer they know more

[CD Smith]

The EAZ-LIFT WDH Model Number 48050 (400/4000) is more than adequate.

[Borden]

You said you had this hitch it is a bit of over kill for a Burro 17' Widebody:
Previous owner supplied a Reese Pro Series #49587 in the box; never used. It is rated
Designed for a tongue weight between 600 lbs. - 1,200 lbs.
Maximum Towing Weight: 12,000 lbs.
Agree with CD Smith 400/400 would is adequate (specifications are from a web site)
The EAZ-LIFT WDH Model #48050
Designed for a tongue weight between 100 lbs. - 400 lbs.
Maximum Towing Weight: 4,000 lbs.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by rabbit

Checked the "trailer weight" thread; two such Burro trailers there showed approx. 3200 lbs. GTW and between 350 and 450lb tongue wgt loaded to roll. Previous owner supplied a Reese Pro Series #49587 in the box; never used. It is rated for 5 ton GTW and 600 to 1000 on the tongue.

Should I use the hitch I've got or toss it on Ebay...?

Weight Distribution Hitches come in two categories:

1. Standard
2. Light Duty

Most people look up "WDH" and find the Standard List. 600 pound tongue rating is the smallest in the standard class, and they increase in 200 pound increments.

Light Duty Weight Distribution Hitches are made for 400 pound tongue rating (single round bar) and 300-500 pound tongue rating (dual trunnion).

I recommend getting one of the Light Duty Weight Distribution Hitches.

[rabbit]

Thankyou. The big ol Reese does appear a bit stiff and heavy. I'll abide by the recommendations, list the #49587 on ebay and go with the second of the wdaitches above if I can find out what drawbar will give me sufficient drop. Give them a call tomorrow.

jack