In search of 2417 or 2518

[Abacus]

We are looking to buy a 2417 or a 2518 due to the tongue weight of our SUV. We might consider a 2619 but would have to see how it tows due to being heavier. We are also looking used due to not having available funds for new, we have around $8k. We are in Arizona but I am willing to travel 500-750 miles to find one. I looked but did not find any smaller ones out there in that price range. The $9k one I was conversing about in California just sold (don’t get me started on that mess) so I am back to looking around. We have some time but I would rather get it sooner than later due to the wife being on board for now.

[Bill]

Abacus -

You can reduce tongue weight a bit by using a weight distributing hitch, assuming your tow vehicle will accept one. Many smaller vehicles, especially uni-body ones, will not. You would need to check the detailed specs for your specific model/year/equipment package/factory-installed options. Don't rely on generic advertising numbers for tow rating. Instead, go to the mfr web site and look for a multi-page document called something like "Towing Guide". Or take the same info, plus your VIN, to your SUV's dealer if you trust him.

Would you care to share your vehicle's year/make/model info here? Some of our members may be able to help.

A WDH is not cheap, which might be limiting factor.

Bill

[Dan3023]

A weight distribution hitch does not reduce tongue weight.

[Shane826]

How does it not? It redistributes the tongue weight to the front and rear axles on the tow vehicle and to the trailer axle(s). If the tow vehicle is carrying less trailer weight wouldn’t that be a reduced tongue weight?

[Dan3023]

I looked into this a while back.

[Abacus]

Thanks Bill. Sure, the vehicle is a 2020 Kia Sorento with 4WD and the V6 engine. It has a unibody construction so not suitable for a WDH. The manufacturers speciations are the 5,000 towing and 350 hitch weight, which has been discussed here previously. I did a search while doing my “homework” and found the threads.

We really don’t want to get another vehicle just for towing as our cars are paid off and new ones are so expensive, and my wife just retired (I’m still slaving away). It’s one of the reasons I’m looking at TrailManors over other types of lightweight trailers.

[Shane826]

I guess I’m confused as to what tongue weight is. I always thought it was the portion of the total trailer weight that is carried by the tow vehicle instead of the trailer’s axles.