"Weight Carrying" vs "Weight Distribution"

[PasoArt]

I've just moved and tuned my Equilizer hitch from my old TV to my new Ford 150 (3.0 EcoBoost, 4x4). The plate on the hitch says 500# tongue and 5,000# max gross trailer weight without WD (referred to as "weight carrying") and 1,210# tongue and 12,100# with WD. The tongue weight is obviously 10% of the max gross trailer weight. I will always tow my 2015 25' FC with the WD, but normally tow other "work" trailers with only the ball. I've not seen the term "weight carrying" before. Am I really limited to 500# and 5,000# without my WD?

[MelGoddard]

YUP! If nothing else, it's a legality.
If you have an upset, try explaining THAT one to the prosecuter in court.

[dkottum]

For towing without w.d. I would stick with the spec on it so you don't damage the receiver. It isn't just the weight sitting there, but the additional weight when bouncing down the roadway. If you have a need to tow something heavier many people replace the factory hitch with a stronger after-market hitch.