Can Weight Distribution be Added to an Aluminum Boat Trailer with an I-Beam Pole Tongue

Question:

What do you recommend for chain hangers on an aluminum I-beam tongue? It does not look like the square head tension bolt setups will work properly, and the RP58305 doesnt have the proper vertical plane to bolt on. I cant imagine this being a new problem as most large boat trailer are contructed with aluminum I-beam frames. I must be missing something.

asked by: Floyd W

Expert Reply:

To use weight distribution on a boat trailer with a pole tongue you will need to use a pole tongue adapter like # RP58393 or # RP3280. The lighter duty RP3280 cannot be used with Reese SC systems or dual-cam sway control. The higher capacity RP58393 can be used with Reese SC systems but not dual-cam sway control.

In order to mount the adapter you will need to square off the tongue where the adapter will need to mount, making it a box frame in that area. This requires a qualified professional because welding to aluminum is difficult to do correctly.

Once boxed off you can mount the pole tongue adapter and use weight distribution (pole tongue adapters will not work with Reese Strait-Line weight-distribution systems with dual-cam sway control).

You will also need to contact the trailer manufacturer to make sure weight distribution can be used with your trailer.

To choose the proper system you will need to go by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. The system you have referenced, # 49570, is rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight. I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution for you.

expert reply by: Michael H