How much rear end sag with 1000lb tongue weight?

Hi all,

I'm about to purchase a 10k GVWR 8.5x24' cargo trailer, with a 18" tongue height.
Probably something like this: https://www.usacargotrailersales.co...irect-save-thousands-in-stock-now-detail.html

I know you can get adjustable height drop hitches, but I'd rather save the $$ and get a fixed drop hitch. With a tongue weight of 1000 lbs, how much would the rear end of the Tundra sag? I'm trying to calculate the drop hitch size required for this trailer.

I've got a 2016 Tundra DC Limited 5.7L 4x4.

 

@ColoradoTJ

 

If your towing that much the safe and smart thing to do is use a weight distribution hitch. Going the least expensive option isn't always the way to go

 

This is going to be a short term trailer use. I'm buying the trailer for a move, then selling it. Don't want to wrap up too much money into this. Also, it looks like WDH cannot be easily used on a v-nose trailer like the one I'm getting.

 

You are overthinking it. I don't think you need to worry about the sag. The trailer tounge is 18 inches off the ground. Measure to the Receiver hitch of your truck and then subtract 18 inches. That is the drop. Then when loading the trailer you move the weight around to keep it from pressing to far down on the truck or pulling to high up.

 

What he said!

What he said.

You must consider the weight distribution in your trailer because 1000 will go up or down based upon the balance of you load. That 1000 pounds is cantalevered from the center of you axel and acts as a lever.

 

How far are you going. Where to where?

 

I have a 7x16 v nose trailer I towed from Denver to Jacksonville. I used a WDH on it. With the trailer load, the trailer weighed a little north of 10k. Prior to the WDH my rear end sagged several inches. Once the hitch was on I was able to level it out with less adjustments than I expected. I did need a 2 inch drop hitch to keep it all level. I used the Fastway E2 hitch and loved it. The trailer was rock solid at all times, even with high winds. I highly recommend using it. https://www.fastwaytrailer.com/e2-hitch

 

A WDH is the only safe way to go on a 24' trailer.
You could sell the WDH with the trailer or separately after you move.
18" doesn't really mean much. it will change when loaded.
What is Empty tongue weight?
Tongue weight is the 2nd most critical information after total loaded trailer weight.

 

This ^^^^^^

 

If I recall correctly you should have 60-75% of your weight infront of the axle for a safely loaded trailer.

Improper balance or to much weight to far back makes its 10Xs easier to fishtail and lose control.

 

I had a 24' trailer and hauled it with my 2500 Duramax...that trailer owned the ass end of that truck, WDH and all when loaded. I can't imagine a scenario where 1000lbs of tongue weight with a distro hitch on a Tundra makes any sense.

You are WAY better to rent a 25' Uhaul truck. Besides, you have more shit than you think and you will need the extra cargo space of your truck

 

I have no idea how much the trailer will weigh loaded, probably somewhere in the 6 to 8k range.

I'm moving from MA to WI this summer.

 

I use a 2" drop with 5000 lb boat and it sits level. Not sure what the hitch height is on trailer. I have a lot weight towards rear and over axles. I would guess tongue weight at 8-10%. I would say use a 2" drop and turn it over for a 1" rise. Not sure what ball size is on that trailer. If a 2-5/8 then no problem. If 2" then pay attention to capacity. 2" balls can have different weight ratings.

 

That's a VERY long trip to not have a weight distribution hitch. A few hundred to make sure you, your family, and the others on the road with you are safe is money well spent.

 

Why don't you rent a full size uhaul and then add the car trailer to the back of it to tow down your tundra? You are going to have a lot of money wrapped up in that trailer. You would still have to sell it when you get there.

 

Picked up the trailer in GA last week, and made the 1000 mile trip home. I bought a Curt WD hitch with sway control, but when hauling it empty, I didn't hitch up the weight distribution bars. I didn't connect the sway control either, and it didn't need it. Hauled perfectly straight, without any noticeable sway. I'll definitely use the WD and sway once loaded, though. I ordered the trailer with an extended tongue in order to use the WD features.

Towing it was fine - 3300lbs empty, but it did feel like towing a barn. 10.5 MPG towing.

 

Trailer has alot of space between the axles and the hitch. If you pack the front too heavy you will have excess tongue weight. Put most of the heavy stuff just before the trailer axles and balance the rest between the remaining front area and the rear.

 

This. ONLY safe way and you owe it to yourself and everyone else on the road to tow safely. Get a WDH with sway control and call it a day. Sell with the trailer or separate after move. Well worth the $500ish dollars it will cost you

 

Ive had good luck with the Andersen No-Sway hitch. They even upgraded all 3 of my hitches to their new design free of charge and they paid shipping both ways.
The Andersen uses chains from the frame brackets to a triangle plate on the hitch. The ball and plate rotate with the trailer (so no grease or binding), inside a friction cone that acts as a brake to stop/prevent sway.
Not enough tension? Tighten the nut on the end of the chain. Easy and quick to remove amd reinstall, and backing up straight or in turns is not an issue.