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  1. Weight Distribution Hitch
  2. Reese
  3. 600 lbs
  4. 700 lbs
  5. Fits 2 Inch Hitch
  6. WD Only
Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

Item # RP66541
Retail:$932.13
Our Price: $572.32
You Save: $359.81
Weight Distribution Hitch
Shipping Weight: 75 lbs
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High-performance system is designed to offer the best in weight distribution with an easy-to-adjust, forged head; a raised ball platform; and flexible, powder coated steel, trunnion spring bars. Adjustable shank included. Hitch ball sold separately. Great Prices for the best weight distribution hitch from Reese. Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW part number RP66541 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (70)
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Reese Weight Distribution Hitch - RP66541

  • 600 lbs
  • 700 lbs
  • Fits 2 Inch Hitch
  • WD Only
  • Reese
  • Includes Shank
  • Electric Brake Compatible
  • No Sway

High-performance system is designed to offer the best in weight distribution with an easy-to-adjust, forged head; a raised ball platform; and flexible, powder coated steel, trunnion spring bars. Adjustable shank included. Hitch ball sold separately.


Features:

  • Evenly distributes weight over axles of tow vehicle and trailer for stability and control
    • Creates a more level ride for both tow vehicle and trailer
  • Trunnion spring bars are hot rolled and tapered for superior strength and flexibility
    • Bars flex appropriately over uneven terrain for a controlled, even ride
    • Curved ends are designed for use with dual-cam sway control (RP26002 - sold separately)
  • Adjustable spring-bar tension - just switch links in lift chains to fine-tune
  • Desired tilt is easily achieved with serrated-washer design - no more piling on washer after washer
  • Forged, raised ball platform on head eliminates need for raised hitch ball
  • Solid steel shank has corrosion-resistant powder coat
  • System includes head assembly, adjustable shank, lift brackets, trunnion spring bars, lift chains, pin and clip, and all necessary hardware
    • Hitch ball sold separately - requires 1-1/4" diameter shank


Specs:

  • Tongue weight: 450 lbs - 800 lbs
  • Gross towing weight: 8,000 lbs
  • Fits: 2" x 2" trailer hitch receivers rated for use with weight-distribution systems
  • Lift-bracket positioning: mount about 30" back from hitch ball
    • Requires approximately 5-1/2" of space along trailer frame
      • Optional mounts (sold separately) that take up less space on a trailer frame are available
    • Will not fit trailer frames wider than 2-1/2"
  • Shank length: 14" from center of hitch pin hole to center of ball hole
  • Total height adjustment along shank: 5-1/4"
    • Maximum rise: 6-1/2" from top of hitch receiver opening
    • Maximum drop: 1-1/4" from top of hitch receiver opening
  • Limited lifetime warranty


Included w/ RP66541Required - Sold SeparatelyOptional Add-Ons
  • Adjustable Shank
  • System Head
  • Lift Brackets
  • Spring Bars
  • Hitch Ball w/ 1-1/4" Diameter Shank
  • Bar-Style Friction Sway Control
  • Dual-Cam Sway Control

Weight Distributing Hitch

Create a stable ride for your tow vehicle and trailer with a weight-distribution hitch. Adding spring bars to your towing system applies leverage, which transfers the load that is pushing down on the rear of your vehicle to all the axles on both your tow vehicle and your trailer, resulting in an even distribution of weight throughout. The result is a smooth, level ride, as well as the ability to tow the maximum capacity of your hitch.



Selecting a Weight-Distribution System

The tongue weight rating is the most important factor in determining which size weight-distribution system you should use. If the bars of the system you choose are rated too high for your setup, they will create a rigid ride, which can result in a bouncing trailer. If, on the other hand, the bars are not rated high enough, the system will be unable to properly distribute the weight, rendering it virtually useless.


To determine the proper weight rating for a weight-distribution system, you must first determine your trailer's tongue weight. Then add to that the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. These two measurements make up the tongue weight rating for a weight-distribution system.

Serrated Washer System

Unique Features of Reese Trunnion-Bar Weight Distribution

The easy-to-use, serrated washers on the Reese system make adjusting the tilt of the weight-distribution head a snap. This is a huge improvement over the standard pin-and-washer method, which involves piling washers - one on top of another - onto a difficult-to-access pin. The serrated-washer system lets you easily loosen, adjust and tighten a single washer and nut on either side of the head for simple, secure positioning.



The trunnion spring bars of this system slide into the weight-distribution head for quick, easy installation. With a tapered design and hot rolled steel construction, these bars offer superior flex, ensuring a smooth, controlled ride for both your tow vehicle and your trailer. In addition, these specially designed bars have rounded, hooked ends, making them the only kind of spring bars that can function with Reese's active-style, dual-cam sway control (sold separately).



66541 Reese Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution Hitch with Hitch Bar

Installation Details RP66541 Installation instructions


California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW - RP66541

Average Customer Rating:  4.7 out of 5 stars   (70 Customer Reviews)

High-performance system is designed to offer the best in weight distribution with an easy-to-adjust, forged head; a raised ball platform; and flexible, powder coated steel, trunnion spring bars. Adjustable shank included. Hitch ball sold separately.

by:

The combo of the Reese sway control and the weight distribution hitch is an excellent combo. I pull a 22' trailer with a 2020 Ford Ranger and I couldn't be more pleased with the performance of these combined systems



by:

I'm having problems with finding the "sweet-spot" to manage trailer sway. My tow vehicle is the 2021 Ford Expidition Platinum with HD Towing. My trailer is the 2021 Lance 2075 with a CAT Scale weight of 5800# Ă·/- 50# loaded, & tongue wt. between 800# & 875# based on Etrailer trailer jack attached. My trailer hitch height level is 24 inches to top of coupler. I've recently modified my hitch ball setup to a top of ball height of 25-1/4 inch to top of ball, & have experienced some sway improvement but not the level of control expected. At speeds above 50 mph I feel passing vehicle moving the trailer with slight sway. At speeds above 55 mph to 60 mph, there is moderate sway.

My wt. distribution is at the 4th or 5th link, 3 or 4 links free. My steer axel is good at these settings. I find that as I add more torsion on my 800# wt. distribution trunnion bars, my tongue wt. drops signicantly.

Previously, I towed with the Hensley hitch with no sway issues, until I swerved left to avoid a full truck wheel on I20 traveling slightly above 60 mph. When the strut bolts sheared I nearly lost control due to major sway. After that event, I installed the Reese Hitch. I'm still looking for a reliable hitch to manage my travel sway issues.

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

12/16/2022

This system is great at providing the weight distribution that you need however it does not have all the sway control that you want by itself. What you need to add the sway control would be part # RP26002. It will attach to the weight-distribution spring bars and will apply constant even pressure to keep trailer in line. The bars of the system are tapered at the end specifically to work with it.



by:

After spending two hours setting this up I was disappointed to find that I need a different hitch bar. as the supplied one did not drop enough for me to achieve a level trailer. Now I have to order another hitch bar at $ 140.

It would have been nice to know ahead of time that you should measure down from the top of your receiver box to the approx trailer coupler height ( w leveled trailer) to determine if you have sufficient drop or rise. I now have an extra hitch bar I do not need.

Howard S.

6/15/2014

Question please, who told you to buy the hitch bar you received? The videos on this site are clear and would lead you order the correct componets.



by:

Product is exactly as described. We ended up not being able to use the trunnion bars because the trailer we rented had the propane tanks mounted such that they prevented us from attaching the bars. But we ultimately didn't need them since the trailer was a light weight one. I'm pleased to have this product since we don' t know what we might tow in the future. I like that it will also be easy to add the Reese sway controllers in the future if needed. I know comments are supposed to be about the product itself, but I have to say the best part of buying it was the fantastic & knowledgeable customer service that Etrailer provided in helping me choose the best product for my needs ( I ordered by phone).



by:

Excellent gear for towing a heavy boat. Well made. Used with the Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter.



by:

Received product before the tracking info. was available. Two days..WOW.. The price match was more than I asked for. Just wanted them to meet the competition, not beat them up!! If ETrailer has it, I'm a customer for life.



by:

Thanks for the great service, I was very surprised how fast my hitch got to me, Three days WOW. Thanks for the great service and i will be doing bussiness with you again.



by:

Called talked to katie D she kept me on the phone until I was sure that product was for me.From that point on all the way to delivery it was a perfect transaction.



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This worked great. I gained about 2 1/2 inches on the rear lift , both the front and rear wheel well are at 36 1/2 off the ground . what a difference . Trailer is a little higher then level, not much, but with a quick adjustment that can be rectified. Delivery was on time and working with Briana was a pleasure. I emailed all the specs and the correct unit was recommended to me which is the one I purchased.



by:

I've been looking for this Reese hitch and was having trouble finding at with all the parts, I got all the hardware to make this hitch work and at a lower price. It was delivered to my house 3 days later and Lauren A answered all my questions and took my order, Thank you



by:

Excellent customer service, Steve was knowledgeable and courteous. Fast delivery. Great quality. Adjustable chains work well for varying loads on my 10K car hauler.



by:

The folks at etrailer were very helpful on selecting this Reese hitch. Great people there. Thank you for all your help.



by:

Excellent delivery speed, unfortunately we had to wait until last week to have the trailer delivered. Used the hitch 3 times and are very pleased with the ease of installation. Enjoyed the heavy duty bar to over center the distribution bar. Used the same trick I used on previous hitches - place a bicycle handlebar grip on one end of the bar - much more comfortable. First time with trunnion bars - I'll never go back to the bent bar type with the snap pins and flexible clips - I've had to replace them several times - a real pain to drill out the rivets and find new ones. Very satisfied with hitch. Pulling a 24' Outdoor RV - "Timber Ridge" - 8000 GVW with 900 lb tongue weight with a Ford F250 Diesel. Pulls like a dream!



by:

I am very happy with the Reese Weight Distribution System that
I purchased from E-Trailer.

Even more... I got exceptional customer serviced from the staff and Technical Experts that I contracted.

I have included some installation tips in the attachments & a photo of what it is all about!



by:

After our third trip with this hitch it has performed great. This is almost exactly the same hitch that we have had for over 20 years so hopefully we will get 20 plus out of this one. Our only dissatisfaction is that the hold pins are very difficult to insert. As always the service of etrailer has been terrific.



by:

Super hitch easy to set up and install. Easy and very informative instructions. Hooked up took a test drive worked so well I thought this can’t be true. Made an adjustment on the chain link and OMG what a big difference, not for the good though. Went back to the instructed set up perfect. Love it.



by:

One of the nuts supplied to attach chain to trunion bar was not self locking. Otherwise this was bought because I have next larger version for a different trailer and have been pleased with it. The service was great in that the ball I ordered was out of stock and they notified me immediately and suggested an alternative ball that met my needs.



by:

We ordered the the weight distribution kit and hitch for a new camper on May 20th. We were going camping on the 26th of may and still had not received confirmation of shipping on the 23rd. My wife called and spoke to Sandy who advised that the online order dept was very backlogged but that she would check into getting it shipped right out for us. We received the hitch on the 25th and were able to get it hooked up and ready to go for the memorial weekend camping trip. Excellent product but more importantly to us was the above and beyond customer service we received.



by:

Another great Reese Product.
Installed
on a Tundra towing a Flagstaff Tent Trailer with a toy deck. I was having problems with the load sinking my truck and trailer. With the distribution system installed it is now towing very nicely. I had to increase the length of the chain by 1 link due to the way that the hitch on the trailer was built. I would buy and use another one with NO hesitation.



by:

This equalizer hitch works very well with both my trucks - an Chevy hd 2500 and a Jeep pickup. really took care of the trailer lateral sway problem I was having. Heavy duty, well built, easy to install, just have to get correct positioning on the preload bars. Thanks


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Reese Weight Distribution Hitch

  • How to Pick Out Weight Distribution System for Horse Trailer that Will have Varying Tongue Weights
    You are on the right track. You want to pick a weight distribution system that the tongue weight range of your trailer will fall right into the middle of. The amount of chain links on a system like the # RP66541 is how the spring tension is adjusted. This system has a range of 400 to 800 lbs of tongue weight and would have a pretty good chance of covering all of your tongue weight range. You will need to confirm this first though. I attached an FAQ article on determining tongue weight...
    view full answer...
  • Can Grease be Used on Reese Weight Distribution with Trunnion Bars
    Yes, you can use grease with a Reese trunnion-style weight distribution system like # RP66541. The updated instructions, which are essentially the same as what you stated, does have a difference that answers your question. I cut out and highlighted the part which states "Use a heavy oil or grease."
    view full answer...
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  • What Is Combined Weight Of The Shank And Head Of Reese Weight Distribution System # RP66541
    The shank on the Reese Weight Distribution System, part # RP66541 weighs 15 lbs, and the head weighs 19 lbs, so the combined weight of these 2 items is 34 lbs.
    view full answer...
  • How Much Weight Gets Transferred To Trailer Axles and Vehicle Front Axle with Weight Distribution
    The key to weight distribution is not to have an exact percentage of the weight transferred to either of the axles. The whole goal behind all of if it is to have your tow vehicle sit as level as possible so that it will brake and handle the best possible. Since that is the goal and different vehicles have different spring rates and wheelbases the percentages distributed to each axle won't be uniform between setups. An exact figure can't be given although some claim that when properly setup...
    view full answer...
  • When Is Weight Distribution Recommended
    If the trailer you plan on towing weighs more than half of the weight of the tow vehicle we recommend the use of weight distribution. The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup. You should note that the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your vehicle should be considered tongue weight as well. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out. Once you determine you tongue weight you can check...
    view full answer...
  • Do the Links of a Weight Distribution System Represent Tongue Weight
    The individual links on a weight distribution system like the # RP66541 do not represent different tongue weight values. It really just comes down to following the setup procedure that is outlined in the install instructions which are attached which basically comes down to using enough spring bar tension to allow the tow vehicle to sit level. It is not required to know the tongue weight beyond making sure the system you pick out has correct range for the tongue weight of the trailer when...
    view full answer...
  • Should Front off Truck Be Lighter After Installing Weight Distribution System
    The best way to know that your weight distribution system, like the Reese # RP66541, is working correctly is to check how level your towing rig is and if the height of your truck is about the same as it is when you don't have the trailer connected to your truck. None of the weight distribution systems give specifics on how much weight should be on different parts of your towing rig so 80 lbs lighter on the front axle of your truck could very well be a good thing - it's mainly about following...
    view full answer...
  • When To Use a Weight Distribution System When Towing with a 2011 Honda Odyssey
    If the trailer you plan on towing weighs more than half of the weight of the tow vehicle we recommend the use of weight distribution. For your vehicle/setup I would strongly recommend a WD system. Especially considering how many passengers and cargo you will be carrying. The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup. You should note that the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your vehicle should be considered tongue...
    view full answer...
  • Weight Distribution System Recommendation for Towing Trailer that Weighs 4,855 lbs
    The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use. Since tongue weight can be 10 to...
    view full answer...
  • Lightest Weight Weight-Distribution System Recommendation for 540 lbs of Tongue Weight on Trailer
    The lightest weight weight distribution system we offer that would be recommended for your trailer with 540 lbs of tongue weight would be the Reese Weight Distributions System part # RP66541. This system includes a shank and only weighs in at 69 lbs with a ball. Which is much lighter than the other systems. The weight of just the spring bars and head assembly plus shank would be right at 62 lbs. For a hitch ball you would want the part # 19286.
    view full answer...
  • Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a 2007 Chevy Silverado Towing a Prowler Lynx
    Any time the trailer weighs more than 50 percent of the weight of the tow vehicle a weight distribution system is recommended. So in your case, yes I would recommend one for you. The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as...
    view full answer...
  • Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a Trailer with 540 lbs of Tongue Weight
    When using a weight distribution system on a trailer the weight on the axles will stay the same. The tongue weight of the trailer will be distributed from being basically all on the rear axle of the tow vehicle to being also on the front axle of the tow vehicle. Weight distribution systems are recommended when the trailer of the vehicle weighs more than 50 percent of the tow vehicle. The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of...
    view full answer...
  • Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a 19 foot Travel Trailer
    The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow, this figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. Typically tongue weight is 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight. For your trailer at 3,500 lbs that would put you at 525 lbs of tongue weight. For a system rated for that...
    view full answer...
  • How to Pick Out Weight Distribution for a Dry Tongue Weight of 455 lbs
    The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use. Once you know your tongue weight...
    view full answer...
  • Will New 1,200 Pound Reese Spring Bars Fit a 5-Year-Old Reese Weight Distribution System
    The system that you bought from us 5 years ago was # RP66541 and it is still the same now as it was then! This means that you can replace your 800 pound spring bars with the 1,200 pound bars. For a single bar it is # RP66009. You would need 2 of them total.
    view full answer...
  • Will New Reese Trunnion Bars Fit Into A Vintage 1970's Ball Mount?
    I spoke with Reese and they mentioned that the Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar for Reese Weight Distribution System # RP22225 will not work with your vintage ball mount, unfortunately. They mentioned they are incompatible because of the changes to the trunnion diameter and height. Instead, you may consider upgrading your system. If you're looking for a system that works with the Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar for Reese Weight Distribution System # RP22225, you'll want to use the Reese...
    view full answer...
  • Recommendation for Weight Distribution and Sway Control to Haul a Utility Tractor with 1999 Tacoma
    I would definitely recommend weight distribution and making sure that the weight on the trailer is within the trailer capacity and that the trailer fully loaded and ready to tow is within the capacity of the lowest rated item whether it be the hitch, vehicle (see owners manual), ball mount or ball. If all of the above works out I would start out with a quality weight distribution system that can be upgraded to dual cam sway control if needed in the future. That way you can add the sway...
    view full answer...
  • What Weight Distribution System is best for a 2009 Chevy Avalanche Towing a Fleetwood Evolution
    With tongue weight of 550 pounds, I would look for a weight distribution system with a 400-800 pound tongue weight capacity. The system you were looking at, RP66540 has a maximum tongue weight of 600 pounds. Your 550 would be safe, but you are close to the limit. Being centered in the tongue weight range is ideal, so a 400-800 kit would be a better fit. Part # RP66541 from Reese is essentially the same kit with slightly heavier spring bars. What we need to determine is if the jack will...
    view full answer...
  • What Style Of Weight Distribution System Has Better Ground Clearance?
    A weight distribution system that has the trunnion bars will definitely offer more ground clearance at the trailer coupler because the bars don't extend below the weight distribution head. The round rails do sit further below, but it all depends on what the tow tongue weight of the trailer is. The Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Round Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # RP67509 has a round bar setup. The Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW,...
    view full answer...
  • How to Choose a Trailer Sway Control Solution
    The anti-sway solution you need will depend on the weight, length and trailer you're towing. If you're towing a smaller flatbed utility type trailer that gets a little unstable from time to time, and moving more tongue weight to the front of the trailer isn't improving the swaying condition, then an entry-level solution like the Reese Friction Sway Control, part # 83660 would be a good choice. For trailers longer than 25 feet, you can actually use two units, one on each side if necessary....
    view full answer...
  • Pro Series 49585 Weight Distribution Recommend for 2014 Nissan Frontier Towing Casita Independence
    The most important factor to consider when picking out a weight distribution system is the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is ready to tow, this also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ article on determining tongue weight. Assuming your tongue loaded tongue weight is 400 lbs like you referenced, and the fact that you said you prefer the trunnion setup I think the Pro Series Trunnion Style Weight Distribution Kit with Shank...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Could the Curt Hitch part # C13352 Tow a Camper that Weighs 6500 lbs
    If you use a weight distribution system yes the Curt Hitch part # C13352 would work for you since it has a 10k capacity with a WD system and only 6k without. The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow, this figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. Typically tongue...
    view full answer...
  • Can Brophy Hitch Extender part # ST18 be Used to Tow Trailer that Weighs 4,800 lbs
    If you used a weight distribution system with the Brophy hitch extender part # ST18 this would work well as it would give you the extension you need and would have a capacity of 7,000 lb. For a weight distribution system then that would be properly rated you'd want the part # RP66541 and you'd be set.
    view full answer...
  • Will Curt 2 Inch Ball # A-90 Fit Reese Weight Distribution System
    Yes, you can use 2 inch ball # A-90 with Reese weight distribution system # RP66541. In fact, that is the 2 inch ball we have listed on the weight distribution system's product page in the related parts on the right side of the page.
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jacob T
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Employee Kathleen M
Updated by:
Kathleen M
Employee Laura H
Updated by:
Laura H
Employee Wilson B
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Wilson B
Employee Alexander C
Updated by:
Alexander C
Employee Amanda M
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Amanda M
Employee Mike S
Updated by:
Mike S
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Employee Dustin K
Video by:
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Employee Cole B
Installed by:
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