2. Tongue Weight includes the trailer tongue weight with full
gas, water, waste systems and a packed trailer. Estimate the towing vehicle's
cargo load. Match the sum of these weights to the proper WD Hitch. For example,
a tongue weight of 500 lbs. coupled with a vehicle cargo load of 200 lbs. equals
a total hitch weight of 700 lbs. This combination would require a WD hitch
rating of 750 lbs. Make sure the tongue weight and the gross trailer weight do
not exceed the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommended capacities. The hitch
selected must have a maximum Gross Trailer Weight rating equal to or greater
than the total loaded weight of the trailer. Tongue weight should be at
least 10% of gross trailer weight.
3. Tips for calculating proper shank drop/rise:
Measure from ground to top of receiver hitch opening.
Measure from ground to inside top of trailer coupler.
Subtract hitch ball height (not including trailer ball shank) from coupler
height measurement.
Difference between receiver height and final coupler height measurement is the
amount of
shank drop or rise needed.
Example: Top of receiver measures 24"
Top of coupler measures 19"
Trailer ball measures 3" high
Drop needed 8"
4. A trailer sway control is any device used to eliminate or
reduce unwanted trailer side-to-side motion caused by wind, rutted roads, etc.
The simplest and usually least expensive is the "friction" type controller. It
incorporates a sliding bar mounted inside a metal housing with friction material
similar to automotive brake pads. This device is mounted to the trailer at one
end and hitch at the other with miniature "trailer balls" to allow for
articulated movement. As the trailer tongue swings through an arc side-to-side
the bar slides in and out of the housing. The amount of friction applied to the
bar can normally be adjusted to suit the particular trailer and truck
requirements. Most enclosed box style (camping, car hauler, horse, etc.) trailer
will benefit from a sway control. These trailer are easily influenced by wind
gusts, even from larger passing vehicles like semi trucks.