
Proper weight distribution left to right will also aid in towing stability, so it is imperative to check, adjust, and check again before you begin towing. If you notice uneven weight distribution, make the necessary adjustments and check to make sure weight is distributed properly, with 60% in the front of your trailer and is even left to right. Uneven left/right load distribution can cause issues such as tire, wheel, axle, and structural failure. Then, check to make sure your cargo is loaded evenly from left to right. First, be sure to check that none of your axles are overloaded. Once you’ve loaded your trailer, it’s time to check that cargo weight is distributed properly. Always make sure that cargo is packed closely and firmly, using tie-downs as needed to secure the cargo and prevent it from shifting while you tow. For an open trailer, smaller items shouldn’t be loaded above the height of the sides of the trailer box. If you are towing a closed trailer, the lighter, smaller items should be placed near the top of the trailer in the rear. Heavier items should be loaded in the front, with lighter, smaller items placed near the rear.
#Axle weight distribution plus
It’s also important to remember what your trailer’s tongue weight is, and as a general rule of thumb, that 20-25% of your trailer’s total weight plus its cargo should be on the trailer’s tongue.Īs you load your trailer, you need to keep in mind that 60% of the cargo weight should be loaded in the front half of the trailer. (GVWR - Trailer Weight) ➗ 80% = Allowable Payload The resulting number is your trailer’s allowable payload. Next, you’ll need to determine your payload capacity, which is GVWR minus the weight of the trailer, divided by 80%. You can weigh your trailer at any truck stop or other places with a certified scale. You’ll also need to make sure you know your trailer’s weight, which is the weight of a fully assembled, empty trailer. The GAWR will typically include FR or RR, which indicates either the front or rear axles. This will be the maximum distributed weight that your vehicle’s axle can support. You’ll also need to know the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GVWR is the most weight allowed for both your trailer and your cargo. This means looking for your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), located on the VIN label of your trailer. Part of that equation is making sure cargo weight is distributed properly and securely so that you can tow with confidence and prevent an unsafe situation from arising.īefore you can determine if cargo weight is distributed correctly, you need to know how much weight your trailer can pull. As we’ve shared before, loading your trailer properly is an extremely important part of safer towing.
