Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
(70 reviews)
Price: $620.28
In Stock
Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
Item # RP66542
Retail:$932.13
Our Price: $620.28
You Save: $311.85
In Stock
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
- All Info
- Reviews (70)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Reese Weight Distribution Hitch - RP66542
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- WD Only
- Reese
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- No Sway
High-performance system is designed to offer the best in weight distribution with an easy-to-adjust, forged head; a raised ball platform; and flexible, powder coated steel, trunnion spring bars. Adjustable shank included. Hitch ball sold separately.
Features:
- Evenly distributes weight over axles of tow vehicle and trailer for stability and control
- Creates a more level ride for both tow vehicle and trailer
- Trunnion spring bars are hot rolled and tapered for superior strength and flexibility
- Bars flex appropriately over uneven terrain for a controlled, even ride
- Curved ends are designed for use with dual-cam sway control (RP26002 - sold separately)
- Adjustable spring-bar tension - just switch links in lift chains to fine-tune
- Desired tilt is easily achieved with serrated-washer design - no more piling on washer after washer
- Forged, raised ball platform on head eliminates need for raised hitch ball
- Solid steel shank has corrosion-resistant powder coat
- System includes head assembly, adjustable shank, lift brackets, trunnion spring bars, lift chains, pin and clip, and all necessary hardware
- Hitch ball sold separately - requires 1-1/4" diameter shank
Specs:
- Tongue weight: 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs
- Gross towing weight: 12,000 lbs
- Fits: 2" x 2" trailer hitch receivers rated for use with weight-distribution systems
- Lift-bracket positioning: mount about 30" back from hitch ball
- Requires approximately 5-1/2" of space along trailer frame
- Optional mounts (sold separately) that take up less space on a trailer frame are available
- Will not fit trailer frames wider than 2-1/2"
- Requires approximately 5-1/2" of space along trailer frame
- Shank length: 14" from center of hitch pin hole to center of ball hole
- Total height adjustment along shank: 5-1/4"
- Maximum rise: 6-1/2" from top of hitch receiver opening
- Maximum drop: 1-1/4" from top of hitch receiver opening
- Limited lifetime warranty
| Included w/ RP66542 | Required - Sold Separately | Optional Add-Ons |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Create a stable ride for your tow vehicle and trailer with a weight-distribution hitch. Adding spring bars to your towing system applies leverage, which transfers the load that is pushing down on the rear of your vehicle to all the axles on both your tow vehicle and your trailer, resulting in an even distribution of weight throughout. The result is a smooth, level ride, as well as the ability to tow the maximum capacity of your hitch.
Selecting a Weight-Distribution System
The tongue weight rating is the most important factor in determining which size weight-distribution system you should use. If the bars of the system you choose are rated too high for your setup, they will create a rigid ride, which can result in a bouncing trailer. If, on the other hand, the bars are not rated high enough, the system will be unable to properly distribute the weight, rendering it virtually useless.
To determine the proper weight rating for a weight-distribution system, you must first determine your trailer's tongue weight. Then add to that the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. These two measurements make up the tongue weight rating for a weight-distribution system.
Unique Features of Reese Trunnion-Bar Weight Distribution
The easy-to-use, serrated washers on the Reese system make adjusting the tilt of the weight-distribution head a snap. This is a huge improvement over the standard pin-and-washer method, which involves piling washers - one on top of another - onto a difficult-to-access pin. The serrated-washer system lets you easily loosen, adjust and tighten a single washer and nut on either side of the head for simple, secure positioning.
The trunnion spring bars of this system slide into the weight-distribution head for quick, easy installation. With a tapered design and hot rolled steel construction, these bars offer superior flex, ensuring a smooth, controlled ride for both your tow vehicle and your trailer. In addition, these specially designed bars have rounded, hooked ends, making them the only kind of spring bars that can function with Reese's active-style, dual-cam sway control (sold separately).
66542 Reese Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution Hitch with Hitch Bar
Installation Details
California residents: click here
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
Customer Reviews
Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW - RP66542
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (70 Customer Reviews)
High-performance system is designed to offer the best in weight distribution with an easy-to-adjust, forged head; a raised ball platform; and flexible, powder coated steel, trunnion spring bars. Adjustable shank included. Hitch ball sold separately.by: James08/02/2023
This worked great. I gained about 2 1/2 inches on the rear lift , both the front and rear wheel well are at 36 1/2 off the ground . what a difference . Trailer is a little higher then level, not much, but with a quick adjustment that can be rectified. Delivery was on time and working with Briana was a pleasure. I emailed all the specs and the correct unit was recommended to me which is the one I purchased.
by: Dave 04/10/2024
I've been looking for this Reese hitch and was having trouble finding at with all the parts, I got all the hardware to make this hitch work and at a lower price. It was delivered to my house 3 days later and Lauren A answered all my questions and took my order, Thank you
by: Larry08/05/2020
Excellent customer service, Steve was knowledgeable and courteous. Fast delivery. Great quality. Adjustable chains work well for varying loads on my 10K car hauler.
by: Daniel 02/06/2024
The folks at etrailer were very helpful on selecting this Reese hitch. Great people there. Thank you for all your help.
by: Bob N.08/17/2013
Excellent delivery speed, unfortunately we had to wait until last week to have the trailer delivered. Used the hitch 3 times and are very pleased with the ease of installation. Enjoyed the heavy duty bar to over center the distribution bar. Used the same trick I used on previous hitches - place a bicycle handlebar grip on one end of the bar - much more comfortable. First time with trunnion bars - I'll never go back to the bent bar type with the snap pins and flexible clips - I've had to replace them several times - a real pain to drill out the rivets and find new ones. Very satisfied with hitch. Pulling a 24' Outdoor RV - "Timber Ridge" - 8000 GVW with 900 lb tongue weight with a Ford F250 Diesel. Pulls like a dream!
by: Steve12/13/2014
I am very happy with the Reese Weight Distribution System that
I purchased from E-Trailer.
Even more... I got exceptional customer serviced from the staff and Technical Experts that I contracted.
I have included some installation tips in the attachments & a photo of what it is all about!
by: ImagineTravelsGD10/21/2020
After our third trip with this hitch it has performed great. This is almost exactly the same hitch that we have had for over 20 years so hopefully we will get 20 plus out of this one. Our only dissatisfaction is that the hold pins are very difficult to insert. As always the service of etrailer has been terrific.
Kimble W.
10/22/2021
After a year of use its still performing great.
by: Donald09/26/2021
Super hitch easy to set up and install. Easy and very informative instructions. Hooked up took a test drive worked so well I thought this can’t be true. Made an adjustment on the chain link and OMG what a big difference, not for the good though. Went back to the instructed set up perfect. Love it.
by: Mark08/17/2021
One of the nuts supplied to attach chain to trunion bar was not self locking. Otherwise this was bought because I have next larger version for a different trailer and have been pleased with it. The service was great in that the ball I ordered was out of stock and they notified me immediately and suggested an alternative ball that met my needs.
Mark
8/19/2022
Works well. I like the easy adjustability of the chains for different loads as the trailer is used for many different items.
by: mark o06/02/2016
We ordered the the weight distribution kit and hitch for a new camper on May 20th. We were going camping on the 26th of may and still had not received confirmation of shipping on the 23rd. My wife called and spoke to Sandy who advised that the online order dept was very backlogged but that she would check into getting it shipped right out for us. We received the hitch on the 25th and were able to get it hooked up and ready to go for the memorial weekend camping trip. Excellent product but more importantly to us was the above and beyond customer service we received.
Mark O.
6/21/2017
Great product!!!Very well built.
by: Scott in AZ09/14/2016
Another great Reese Product.
Installed on a Tundra towing a Flagstaff Tent Trailer with a toy deck. I was having problems with the load sinking my truck and trailer. With the distribution system installed it is now towing very nicely. I had to increase the length of the chain by 1 link due to the way that the hitch on the trailer was built. I would buy and use another one with NO hesitation.
by: Chris V08/08/2017
The product, for how much steel it consists of came to my front door step completely unscathed. The packaging was flawless. After the cursory inspection, I began laying out the parts readying myself for assembly. The instructions were thoughtfully crafted and easy to follow.
Once mounted and setup, I took the trailer for a test pull. My trailer is a 26' enclosed car hauler. I put my wife's car in the trailer (her car is relatively small and probably only ways 2500 lbs give or take) and pulled 5 miles of curvy roads and about 10 miles of freeway. The system is confidence inspiring! I would whole-heartily recommend this product. It arrived quickly mounted easily and inspires confidence. What more could you ask for?
by: Jeff11/10/2017
The hitch is plenty heavy duty and worth the money. Makes a big difference when driving with a heavier trailer when compared to a conventional hitch.
Delivery of the hitch was fast too!!
by: Glen08/27/2015
Great product instructions easy to follow, easy to install. It was a backordered product but came in a week earlier that expected. Packaged well though box was ripped in during shipping, watch out for the shim (optional shim Kit) that comes with the kit, almost threw it out was stuck loose in the bottom of the box.
by: Cliff A.07/28/2016
Appears to be good quality and easy to install - just need some time and don't rush the process. Have only used it once on a short trip and seems to be good. I noticed that the ride seems stiffer than with the curve bar type that I had prior - the bars are bigger and at a different point and do not appear to flex much. Shipping was faster than I expected for a heavier package. I will know how it performs after taking a longer trip.
by: Ben G.03/20/2018
This has made hauling our trailer a lot easier.
The trailer is a 24 ft enclosed, used mainly for racing.
by: Dave 12/26/2020
Very heavy-duty. Superior quality. etrailer's customer service is outstanding! They agreed to price match, shipped immediately, great communication, excellent follow-up. Love doing business with this company.
by: Jay M04/04/2015
purchased this to replace my old load leveler. when I bought a new bunkhouse w/ a tipout the old 8000# wouldn't handle it. it was easy to put together and the hook is a breeze. the price was excellent and delivery was very quick.
by: Dave R.09/16/2013
Excellent quality, forged not cast. Quick shipping, knowledgeable sales staff. I would highly recommend e trailer.
by: Susan 09/13/2019
We're first time horse trailer owners and took the recommendation of EquiSpirit as to where to purchase the necessary equipment. We have been very satisfied with your service, your speedy delivery and no delivery charge on the heavy items.
by: Dominick 02/02/2022
Great product and quick delivery. I had the same exact hitch for my travel trailer and it served us well.
by: Kim W.10/11/2012
I ordered a Reese Weight Distribution Hitch from etrailer and it was shipped the same day. It arrived in great shape, I'm very satisfied with my purchase. The online price at etrailer was substantially less than what it would of cost locally.
by: Cory Mac01/15/2013
Product appears to be of top quality and is very well built. I am hoping that it will shift more of the weight to the front of the truck and level it out. I will find out this spring when the towing season starts.
by: Merle01/24/2018
Very fast service and its just what I was looking for, Thank You
Merle
1/24/2019
Holds a load very well and keeps my truck on track going down the road!
by: Roger D03/23/2017
Exactly what I needed. Good quality , everything was included with complete instructions to install.
25
70
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Reese Weight Distribution Hitch
- How to Pick Out a Weight Distribution System for Use with Reese Dual Cam Sway ControlWe have exactly what you will need, but to get the correct rated components we will first need to know more information. The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of...
view full answer... - Should Weight Distribution Spring Bar Chains be Tight When the System is InstalledOn a weight distribution system that has spring bars hanging from chains, once you engage the spring bars and lower the jack the chains will be tight. It does sound like some adjustments need to be made though since you should have about 5 chain links from the hanger to the spring bar. You should be able to back up without remove the bars on a system like # RP66542 so it does sound like it is either a little too tight and needs to be adjusted or the system is not rated properly for the...
view full answer... - Recommended Weight Distribution for 2014 Ford Expedition Towing 24-Foot Enclosed Car Hauler TrailerThe key to selecting the right weight distribution (WD) and sway control system is to know your trailer's fully-loaded tongue weight (TW). We offer a dedicated scale # e99044 to make this easier but other methods are shown in the linked article. To this actual measured tongue weight, you'll add the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, say a full toolbox, loaded cooler or generator. With this total effective TW known you can select a system, one that will...
view full answer... - Ball Mount or Weight Distribution Hitch Recommendation for a 2008 Toyota Tundra and 5K TrailerFor a 2008 Toyota Tundra, the recommended ball mount is the Curt Ball Mount, # D-4 and Hitch Pin and Clip, # PC3. However, you will probably want to go with something with a higher capacity given the weight of your trailer. I have included a link to our ball mount FAQ article that has some tips on choosing the correct ball mount. Since you were using a weight distribution hitch, I recommend replacing it with a different type of weight distribution. For a trailer weighing 5,500 pounds gross...
view full answer... - Replacement Ramp Hinges for Enclosed TrailerIf your trailer is brand new and recently purchased ideally you would return to the dealer to have the ramp corrected. The amount of misalignment you describe seems excessive for a brand new trailer. If the trailer is parked on uneven ground the ramp may tend to lean to the low side; this happens just from the weight of the ramp twisting the hinge. If the ramp leans over even on flat ground then there may be damage to the hinges that secure it to the trailer structure or the ramp itself...
view full answer...
- Weight Distribution System Recommendation for 6,500 lb Trailer with 8 inch Tall Frame ChannelsSince your frame channels are taller than 6 inches you'd need to use a weight distribution system like the Reese # RP66542 that has frame clamps that attach to the top of the frame and does not need to attach around the entire frame channel. This also won't damage the paint of your trailer frame and has a tongue weight range that would work well with a trailer that weighs between 6,000 and 6,500 lbs.
view full answer... - Pro Series Weight Distribution System for Trailer Tongue Weight up to 1,200 lbsThe Pro Series weight distribution system part # RP66559 that you have is the highest rated system in this series of system from Pro Series so you'd need an entirely new kit to get a higher rated setup. Reese has their system part # RP66542 which has a tongue weight range of 600-1,200lbs and is priced really great. You can reuse the friction sway control you have currently as well. For a shank with more drop to help compensate for the additional height you have you'd want the part #...
view full answer... - Sway Control Recommendation for a Travel Trailer Towed by a 2010 GMC AcadiaFirst, the tongue weight of the trailer at 207 pounds is much to low for the 600 to 1,200 pound system, # 49570, that you have referenced. Having a system that is rated too high for your trailer will be ineffective. You can replace the spring bars with 2 of the # 58336 spring bars. These bars are rated for 200 to 600 pounds. To help with the sway problem, you can add friction sway control, like # 83660. From the length and tongue weight of your trailer, you would only need one of these...
view full answer... - Can Reese Weight Distribution Brackets be Bolted to a Trailer FrameYes, you can bolt on the weight distribution brackets from system # RP66542. They can also be welded on. If you do bolt them on you will need to provide your own hardware; grade 5 or better carriage bolts. Also one important tip I can offer is to make sure the brackets are in exactly the right place before drilling holes.
view full answer... - Weight Distribution with Sway Control Recommendation for a 2007 Chevy AvalancheIn order to choose the best weight distribution and sway control system for your 2007 Chevy Avalanche, you will need to go by the gross trailer weight and tongue weight of the trailer, fully loaded and ready to tow. You will want a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses your trailers tongue weight. Tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. So for a trailer weighing 7,000 pounds loaded and ready to tow, you are looking at a tongue weight...
view full answer... - Weight Distribution System for Towing 7,000 lb TrailerWhen picking out a weight distribution system you'd want to aim for the weight range needed for how your trailer is loaded to the heaviest you'll be at. I recommend a system with a wide range like the Reese Weight Distribution System part # RP66542 which has a range of 600-1,200 lbs which would be ideal for you since you'll have a few different tongue weights depending on how you load it.
view full answer... - Installing the Chain Hangers for the Reese # RP66542 Weight DistributionTypically a Weight Distribution (WD) system will recommend that the brackets for the chain hangers be installed somewhere between 26" - 30" from the hitch ball. Although the instructions for the Reese # RP says differently you can take a guess since the bars are 31-1/4" long. I do recommend setting up the head and the arms first and then using them to determine the placement of the chain hangers. These guidelines can be found on page 3 of the instructions.
view full answer...
- Weight Distribution System for 28 ft Travel Trailer and Stock Trailer Towed by 2010 F150 4x4We typically calculate trailer tongue weight as 10 to 15 percent of the GTW. Anything stowed in the tow vehicle behind the rear axle needs to be added to the tongue weight figure. Given the 7700 gross trailer weight of the travel trailer you mentioned, your tongue weight can range between 770 and 1100 lbs. For this range of tongue weights, I would recommend the Reese Heavy-Duty Trunnion Bar System, part # RP66542. This system is effective on trailer tongue weights ranging from 600-1200...
view full answer... - Weight Distribution Recommendation For 2001 Ford F-250When choosing a weight distribution system for your 2001 Ford F-250 and trailer, you will want to choose the best system you can. I recommend getting a system that also has sway-control. Together, these systems will provide a smooth, level ride and stop the sway caused by crosswinds and large passing trucks. I have attached a couple of helpful articles that explain weight distribution and determining tongue weight you can check out. I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System...
view full answer... - Weight Distribution System that is Used in the Dual Cam Sway Control Install VideoLooks like you checked out the Dual Cam Sway Control kit part # RP26002 install video. This video is attached to the right. While the exact part number that is used in the video is no longer available the part # RP66542 is very similar. It has the same capacities, same brand, and the difference is the style of spring bar. The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow, this figure also...
view full answer... - What is the Torque Rating for the Bolts on the Head of Reese Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution 66542The Reese weight distribution system # RP66542 uses 3/4 inch bolts to hold the head to the shank. The instructions, linked for reference, state the torque rating. The instructions that are linked are always going to be the most updated version so even if the manufacturer changes something in them you will still be able to see the latest version using that link. Torque specs are currently on page 2 of the linked instructions.
view full answer... - Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a Trailer with a V-NoseWhat you would need to use is a set of bolt on brackets like part # RP58305 since you have a v-nose trailer. These will bolt to the side of the trailer frame and do not require clearance above the trailer frame. These brackets work great on V-nose trailers. The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle....
view full answer... - How to Pick Out a Weight Distribution System for a New Travel Trailer The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use. It would be a fair assumption that...
view full answer... - Will a Weight Distribution System Help Stop Sagging?You sound like a great candidate for a weight distribution system. By definition, the system will distribute a portion of the tongue weight from the rear axle of your vehicle to the front axle, thus significantly reducing the sag you describe. Since your tongue weight will max out around 800 - 850 lbs (3500lbs trailer wt + 2000 lbs cargo multiplied by 15 percent). We typically figure tongue weight as between 10 and 15 percent of the trailer weight. Knowing this, I would recommend the Reese...
view full answer... - Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for a 2010 Ford F-150 with Electronic Sway ControlYes, I do agree with your assessment that mechanical sway control would be a plus if needed. I would start off with a weight distribution system that is capable of having a dual cam sway control system added to it. This way you and get the weight distribution system installed and set up properly for your truck and trailer and then take it on a test run to see if sway control is needed. If it is not needed, you do not have money invested in the extra parts. If needed you can then add the...
view full answer... - Can 2015 GMC Acadia AWD Use Weight Distribution and will It Increase Towing CapacitiesWhat you need to do is check the hitch or owners manual on your vehicle. There will be towing capacities listed, and if you see a second set of towing capacities when using a weight distribution system that will tell you if you have the ability to A. use a WD system, and B. know if you have higher capacities when you use one. The hitches we offer like the Draw Tite part # 75528 are rated for weight distribution. This hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 750 lbs when used with a weight...
view full answer... - Install Weight Distribution System with Cargo Loaded in both Vehicle and TrailerYou will want to make adjustments to your Reeses Weight Distribution System # RP66542 with both your trailer and GMC Yukon loaded with your cargo. This allows you to only have to level your set up once. If you put your weight distribution system on your set up while both the vehicle and Yukon are empty, you will need to readjust your system once they have both been loaded. I have attached the installation details and an installation video for this weight distribution system for you.
view full answer... - Weight Distribution for a 2006 Ford F-250 and 9,900 Pound TrailerTo choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. For a trailer that maxes out at 9.900 pound gross trailer weight the tongue weight would be 990 to 1,485 pounds. If you determine the total tongue weight to be in that range then I recommend a system rated...
view full answer... - Weight Distribution System Recommendation for Trailer with 1,000 lbs Tongue WeightSpring bars for weight distribution systems are not known for wearing out. As long as the system doesn't get damaged in any way you can use the same spring bars for as long as they are properly rated for your trailer setup. If you are right at 1,000 lbs the 1,500 lb Blue Ox system part # BXW1500 would be too high rated in my opinion. You would end up with a setup that would provide you with a harsher ride quality. Now when picking out a weight distribution system you also have to consider...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Weight Distribution Hitch?
Info for this part was:
Test Fit:
Joe V
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Adam R
Expert Research:
Victoria B
Video by:
Zack K
Written by:
Lindsey S
Updated by:
Kathleen M
Updated by:
Laura H
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Alexander C
Updated by:
Amanda M
Updated by:
Mike S
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Video Edited:
Dustin K
Installed by:
Cole B
Installed by:
Hayden R
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924
Larry
9/7/2021
Hitch is working great on my 10,000 lb. car hauler. Have hauled loads ranging from a tractor, loader, and tiller to an SUV with no issues.