Recommended Weight Distribution System With Sway Control For 17 Foot Casita Independence Trailer  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, you will need a shank with a sway control system. When you are planning on towing a trailer there are a few things to consider. Weight distribution is needed when the trailer weighs more than 50 percent of the towing vehicle, if the back of your vehicle sags when towing, your headlights are pointed upward or you find it difficult to stop due to the weight of the rig you are towing. To take the stress off your towing vehicle I recommend a weight distribution system with the sway control.

First, you need to make sure your trailer hitch is rated for weight distribution. Then you need to determine the tongue weight. Tongue weight is the tongue weight of your fully loaded ready-to-tow trailer added to the weight of any cargo placed behind the rear axle of your towing vehicle.

From my research I found the Casita Independence 17 Ft trailer has a dry weight around 2400 lbs and a tongue weight about 365 lbs. You want to choose a system where the tongue weight is near the middle of the system tongue weight range.

For a trailer like the 17 ft you are buying and with added weight in the rear of your vehicle I recommend a system like the Reese Steadi Flex Weight Distribution System With Sway Control, part # RP66558. This has a maximum Gross Towing Weight of 10,000 lbs and a tongue weight range of 200 to 600 lbs. The system also has sway control which helps keep the trailer settled when in higher winds and with large passing traffic.

This system includes the head assembly, adjustable shank, trunnion spring bars, spring-bar platforms with clamp-on hangers, lift handle, pin and clip, and all necessary hardware, so all you need is the hitch ball like part # 63845 for a 2 inch diameter hitch ball and part # 63847 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter ball.

I have attached a helpful article that explains weight distribution and sway control you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

1