Adding a Weight Distribution System on a 18 Foot V-nose Aluminum Trailer

Question:

I have a 2012 v6 4X4 Tachoma truck with tow package and just purchased a 18 ft plus 5ft vnose all aluminum trailer with a trailer weight of approx 2000lbs. I am going to be loading 3 skidoos with an approximate weight of 500lbs each. Total weight trailer and load to be 3500 to 4000lbs. The trailer has a loading door on the front in the v. It has been recommended to place the Reese SC 6651 or 6653 weight distribution hitch on the system? Will that work? Will there be any issue with the ramp door coming down and hitting the hitch?

asked by: Craig N

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since your trailer is aluminum, I would contact the manufacturer to see if adding a weight distribution will damage the aluminum A-frame.

To choose a weight distribution system you need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

The Reese Steadi-Flex weight distribution system, part # RP66558 rated for 400 to 600 pounds tongue weight, or # RP66559 rated for 500 to 1,000 pounds tongue weight will work with your 18 foot plus 5 foot V-nose trailer. These will mount on the side of the A-frame. The narrow brackets that mount to the trailer frame can be mounted within a certain range, see instruction links, and will work well with a V-Nose trailer with limited frame space.

For either system you will just need to add a properly sized ball. For the # RP66558 system use # 63845 for a 2 inch ball and # 63847 for a 2-5/16 inch. And for the # RP66559 use # A-90 for a 2 inch and for a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 19286.

Regarding the ramp door coming down and hitting the weight distribution system, I don't anticipate any issues since the brackets take up little space.

I have included some helpful links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.