Recommended Weight Distribution - 4,000 lb Trailer That Allows Backing Up

Question:

Hi, Im looking for a WD hitch with some sway control that does allow backing up and looking for a little guidance. My tow vehicle is a 1972 Chevy Blazer tow capacity 5500 lbs I am presently towing a 1996 Coleman Niagra. I dont have solid weights for it, but I estimate that its about 2800lbs loaded. It raises my Trucks front end quite a bit. I was looking at the Reese 66557, but it looks like thats going to be out of stock for a while and I want something by the end of next week. What would be your best recommendations? ...I am thinking of changing trailers in the next year to hopefully a Trailmanor 3224KB which would up my weight to more like 4k lbs, but I dont necessarliy want to comprimise on something that will make my current rig less safe. Thanks!

asked by: Harold R

Expert Reply:

It's critically important that your rig can allow your towing vehicle's suspension to ride level and safe. One caution that I would advise is to ensure that the specific manufacturer of your camper recommends using a weight distribution hitch at all. Often the smaller box tube frames of pop-ups are not quite able to handle the adverse force that a weight distribution hitch will put on them. If you're looking to upgrade your camper soon to something in the range of 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, I wouldn't recommend anything less than a weight distribution hitch with sway control that was designed to support trailers up to 6,000 lbs. The Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control # RP66087 will fit a 2" Class III Hitch Receiver, allows for backing up, and will meet the needs of safely supporting your rig.

expert reply by: Aaron A