RE: [Chrysler300] 1961 Weight

["Rich Barber" <c300@xxxxxxx>]

From: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/equipment/hitches/towing-weight-distribution-systems1.htm                

 

You still need to carefully keep the same ratios of tongue weight and gross trailer weight <http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/information/gross-trailer-weight.htm>  in mind with a weight distribution hitch, but when you have a heavier load you have to consider how much more tongue weight <http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/information/tongue-weight.htm>  that actually entails. A weight distribution system is important because it eases the situation by spreading some of that increased tongue weight off the rear axle of the tow vehicle and onto the front axle, as well as the axle (or axles) of the trailer. With that leverage, everything balances out and driving performance increases dramatically. Also, don't forget the tow vehicle's axles each have a gross axle weight rating -- adjusting the weight distribution system can help distribute the weight appropriately.

 

Weight distributing hitches act a kind of a fulcrum or pivot point in the area of the hitch.  Applying torque with the load bars transfers some of the weight from the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the front axle of the tow vehicle AND to the trailer axle or axles.    I’ve not found a way to measure the weight transfer but I try to keep the elevation of the rear bumper only slightly lower than normal with the force applied.  In any case, use of a weight distributing hitch will add some additional load to the trailer tires.  If one really torques up the load bars it is possible to raise the rear bumper above its normal position which will transfer some of the tow vehicle’s weight to the trailer tires.

 

Yes, yes—I know…drive that brute.  But the fact is some 300’s are towed and this information is offered to enhance the safety and reliability of trailing.  If anyone has a line on good, strong trailer tires that can take the 75 MPH legal speeds during the summer in the west, let us all know.  I failed to note the brand and size of the tires on the U-Haul trailer I rented last month but they looked to be oversize and very strong.  U-Haul would like to have their trailers kept to a maximum speed of 55 MPH.

 

C-300-K’ly,

Rich Barber

Brentwood, CA  (Heavy rains coming here tonight.  Will turn to heavy snow in the Sierras)

1955 Chrysler C-300 (sans a/c)

1938 Iowa Gal (requires a/c)

2005 Durango (equipped with trailer-towing package, 8,600# towing capacity and a/c)

 

 

 

From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of LabLoverDC@xxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2011 5:47 PM
To: wranderson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cc: chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [Chrysler300] 1961 Weight

 

  

I strongly second Rich's advice re going with the 5000# + axles (often they 
seem to be 5200#'s). We made the mistake on our enclosed car hauler of 
sticking with the standard 3500# axles, which actually limits the hauling 
capacity of the trailer to around 3500 pounds (since the trailer itself weighs 
about 3500#). We have torsion bar suspension, which seems to carry the 
weight well enough, but our biggest problem is tires. It is hard to get 
tires with enough weight-carrying capacity to fit on the wheel/axle combination 
we have, and we frequently have blowouts. 

It has gotten so bad that we're probably either going to change out our 
axles, or buy a new trailer.

Re the weight distributing hitch (which we have), it has always been my 
understanding that it redistributes the tongue weight more evenly throughout 
the tow vehicle (so it's not all sitting right on the tongue, and makes the 
vehicle ride more level), but it doesn't have any effect on the weight 
carrying capacity of the trailer as far as I know. I could be wrong--that's 
just what I've always believed to be the case. We've also found an anti-sway 
bar to be a very worthwhile addition too.

Shannon Steele

n a message dated 10/3/2011 6:23:35 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
wranderson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:wranderson%40commspeed.net>  writes:




Rich,

You are absolutely correct. A 4000# Chrysler will follow along just fine 
on a trailer with two 3500# axles - - - BUT. 

The weight distributing hitch is a must have, not optional, piece also 
with most tow vehicles.

Warren Anderson
Sedona, AZ

Incremental cost is minimal. Hauling our C-300 along a pot-holed I-5 on an
open 7,000# trailer resulted on axles bowed to the point of accelerated 
wear
on the inside of the tires. It was possible to have the tube axles
straightened and realigned at a specialty shop. Estimated total weight of
trailer, car and contents about 6,500#. Cutting it a little close. 

The weight-distributing hitch actually transfers some of the tongue weight
to the trailer axles and the tow vehicle front axle. Next time, I'll dial
in the inexpensive safety factor of buying the 10,000# trailer and I want 
to
share that recommendation to our readers.

C-300-K'ly,

Rich Barber

Brentwood, CA

From: Ray Jones [mailto:_hurst300@xxxxxxxxxx <mailto:_hurst300%40hughes.net> _ (mailto:hurst300@xxxxxxxxxx <mailto:hurst300%40hughes.net> ) 
] 

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