Interactive Tool

Weight Distribution Hitch & FALR Setup Calculator

Choosing or tuning a weight distribution hitch? Use our interactive calculator to estimate loaded tongue weight, verify truck payload limits, recommend spring bar ratings, and calculate Front Axle Load Restoration (FALR) fender-height tuning values.

Setting up a weight distribution hitch is critical for towing stability, but sizing and adjusting it is a frequent source of confusion. Many truck owners size their hitches based on brochure "dry weight" only to find themselves with under-rated hardware and overloaded truck axles on the highway.

Payload Warning: A weight distribution hitch does not increase your truck's payload capacity or axle ratings. It shifts where the weight is carried. The loaded tongue weight, the weight of the hitch itself (typically 60–100 lbs), and all cargo inside your truck still count against your truck's door sticker payload rating.

Interactive Tool

Weight Distribution & FALR Setup Calculator

Size your spring bars based on actual loaded tongue weight and truck payload capacity, or fine-tune your hitch adjustments using our Front Axle Load Restoration (FALR) calculator.

Trailer Setup Specs

Water, gear, food, propane
Cargo in pass-through / front box

Truck Cargo & Payload

Look up "The combined weight of occupants and cargo..." sticker on driver-door pillar.
Passengers, dogs, coolers, tools, bed cargo
WD shank + head assembly weight
Total Trailer Weight 7,000 lbs
Loaded Tongue Weight 910 lbs 13.0% of total
Recommended Spring Bars 1,000 lb Bars

Truck Payload Usage

1,490 / 1,500 lbs (99.3% Used)

Your loaded tongue weight (910 lbs) + hitch (80 lbs) + occupants/gear (500 lbs) uses 1,490 lbs of payload.

Hitch Class Guidance

Equal-i-zer 4-Point or Reese Steadi-Flex 1,000 lb Kit

Your loaded tongue weight sits in the 800–1,000 lb range. Make sure your trailer frame has enough space (usually 25–32 inches back from the coupler) to fit the friction brackets.

Recommended Hitch Models

Why Sizing and Adjustment Matter

Using spring bars that are too light won't transfer enough load, leaving your truck's front end light and causing steering play or draft sway. Conversely, spring bars that are too stiff will make your ride excessively harsh and can damage your trailer's A-frame or your truck's receiver.

After selecting the correct spring bars, the final tuning is done by measuring the front fender height. FALR (Front Axle Load Restoration) measures how much of the unhitched fender height rise is restored when the spring bars are engaged. Different manufacturers have different specifications: Ford recommends restoring 25% to 50% of the rise, while GM, Ram, and Toyota generally recommend 50% to 100%.

If you need a detailed comparison of weight-distribution hitch options and sizing specifications, read our full Best Weight Distribution Hitches With Sway Control Guide.