Recommended Weight Distribution for Motor Home Towing 13,000 lb Trailer

Question:

What do they mean when they say a unit has 10,000lb hitch. I have a 40ft motorhome with a 10,000lb hitch. I want to tow a 20 stacker trailer that loaded with 2 cars and tools weighs 13,000lbs. Will this hitch work, the trailer coupler is for a 2,5/16 ball, what weight should the ball be. Thank you.

asked by: Cam M

Expert Reply:

If your motorhome does indeed have a hitch with a 10000 lb capacity, it means that the hitch is capable of towing a trailer weighing up to 10000 lbs. To confirm this, the hitch should have a sticker or plate on it listing the capacities. The tongue weight capacity should also be listed. Tongue weight is the amount of weight that can safely be suspended from the receiver (or the maximum downward force exerted).

The hitch might also list a capacity for use with a weight distribution (W/D) system. In many cases using a weight distribution system can raise the capacity of the hitch. Keep in mind that any towing system is only as strong as its lowest rated component. If you confirm that the 13000 lb trailer weight does not exceed the hitch weight distribution or the vehicle towing capacity, you will need a weight distribution system rated for the tongue weight of the trailer. We typically figure tongue weight as being 10 to 15 percent of the fully loaded weight of the trailer, which places the tongue weight somewhere between 1300 and 1950 lbs. Depending on the size of the receiver on your hitch, your trailer tongue weight might be too heavy for any of the available systems.

If the hitch has a 2 inch receiver, and the tongue weight of your trailer is no more than 1500 lbs, the Reese Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution System, part # RP66131 would be a good choice.

If your hitch has the 2-1/2 receiver, the Reese Titan Weight Distribution System, part # RP66006 is recommended. This system can handle trailer tongue weights up to 1700 lbs.

The shank and the trailer ball are not included with the weight distribution systems. For a 2-5/16 trailer ball, use part # C40085. If a shank for a 2 inch receiver is needed, use part # RP54970. If a shank for a 2-1/2 inch receiver is needed, use part # RP54977.

I have provided links to the products mentioned above as well as install details for the W/D systems mentioned.