Exceeding bar rating on WDH

[RLM5150]

I'm curious what the expected effects are when exceeded the rating of the bars on a WDH.

I have a Fastway e2 10K WDH with 1000 lb round bars. The trailer weighs around 8200 lbs and tongue weight is approaching 1100. I'm trying to shift weight a bit to get closer to 1000.

I haven't noticed any detrimental effect. The weight distribution is working as I would expect, with 140 pounds back to the trailer and 340 lbs back to the front axle. I'm wondering what potential effects of exceeding the rating are. I would just purchase 1200 lb bars if I could but it doesn't appear the round bars are available above 1000 lb. What should I be watching for?

[srvnt]

I bent my square bars a little once by over adjusting them, I just flipped them over, adjusted over a bit again on purpose, and they went straight again. I could have also used a press if i had access to one I don't overdo it anymore. So my guess is that they would just bend, rendering them useless.

[bsmith0404]

Bar ratings on WDHs are for how much weight they have the ability to transfer, not how much weight you have on them. Your 1,000 lb bars have the ability to transfer up to 1,000 lbs off the hitch. You're fine with your 1,100 lb tongue weight. Here is a suggestion from e-trailer.

If you have a trailer that has a TW of 700 lbs, and your vehicle has 100 lbs of cargo in the trunk, then your overall, weight distribution TW is 800 lbs. Choosing a weight distribution system with a 1,500-lb TW rating may lead to erratic performance because it is rated too high. On the other hand, if you choose a system rated too low, say at 500 lbs, the system would be ineffective. Choose a weight distribution system with a TW rating that is closest to your towing setup's TW to ensure the best performance.

[RLM5150]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

Bar ratings on WDHs are for how much weight they have the ability to transfer, not how much weight you have on them. Your 1,000 lb bars have the ability to transfer up to 1,000 lbs off the hitch. You're fine with your 1,100 lb tongue weight. Here is a suggestion from e-trailer.

If you have a trailer that has a TW of 700 lbs, and your vehicle has 100 lbs of cargo in the trunk, then your overall, weight distribution TW is 800 lbs. Choosing a weight distribution system with a 1,500-lb TW rating may lead to erratic performance because it is rated too high. On the other hand, if you choose a system rated too low, say at 500 lbs, the system would be ineffective. Choose a weight distribution system with a TW rating that is closest to your towing setup's TW to ensure the best performance.

That is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!