Recommended Weight Distribution System for 3500-lb Trailer and 1998 Isuzu Trooper
Question:
Hi, I have a 1998 Isuzu Trooper with a 5,000 lb tow capacity and 500lb tongue weight limit. I tow a Travel Lite Idea i18 trailer which weighs about 3.500lbs. What products would you recommend for weight distribution / sway control?
asked by: David
Expert Reply:
Weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) set-ups are needed in several circumstances, such as when the trailer's weight is more than half of the tow vehicle weight. This is surely the case for your trailer and vehicle combination so a WD/SC system will definitely improve your trailering experience by taking away some of the vehicle rear-end sag and trailer sway.
The key to choosing the correct system is knowing the total effective tongue weight (TW) of the setup. This total TW is the combination of the fully-loaded trailer's TW (with water, supplies, etc all loaded up) plus the weight of anything in the vehicle that sits behind the ear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator. Anything behind the rear axle acts like trailer TW so it needs to be accounted for. We offer a handy TW scale, part # e99044, but other methods to determine TW are outlined in the linked article.
I linked our main page for WD/SC systems. Click on your total TW figure to see suitable systems. Chances are your TW will be around 600-lbs. In this case I recommend the Strait-Line # RP66083 which works for a TW range of 400-800-lbs. Your TW should fall right in the middle of the system's operating range. All you need to add is a hitch ball like # A-90 or # 19286.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Spare Tire Mount and Dolly Bracket by Dutton-Lainson
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: What Exactly is Tongue Weight?
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Replacement Keys and Lock Cores For a Rhino-Rack Zenith Rooftop Cargo Box
- Q&A: Picking Out Replacement Axle for Snowbear 550LHD Trailer
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch for 1995 Chevy G20 Van
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Q&A: Etrailer Tongue Weight Scale VS. Sherline Tongue Weight Scale
- Q&A: How To Choose the Correct Lube Plate
- Q&A: Can Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-2 be Submerged in Water