Is Reese Friction Sway Control Bar Usable with RB3 Weight Distribution Hitch # PS49583

Question

Question:

I currently have a small Spree Escape E19SB by KZ RV that I tow with my 2011 Chevrolet 1500 Sivlerado extended cab, standard box with a 4.8 Lt. engine. I have for the past four years, since purchasing this trailer, been using only a conventional 2inch ball coupler with a Reese friction sway control bar. My trailer goes down the road straight with no problems using this setup but I still obviously get flex in the middle with the accompanying bounce. Can the PS49583 weight distribution hitch be used with my current friction sway control bar?

asked by: Mike B

0

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can use your Reese Friction Sway Control Bar, such as part # 83660, along with their weight distribution hitch system # PS49583. This system includes mounts for two sway control balls. Please refer to the linked photo of the head assembly showing the two points for installing sway control. This hitch allows use of one or two sway control units.

Weight distribution is called for when one or more of the following conditions apply ( and please see the linked article for more info):
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•Your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50 percent of your vehicle's weight (GVWR)
•The rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up
•You experience trailer sway
•Your tow vehicle headlights point upward
•You find it difficult to steer or stop your rig
•You want to tow to the highest capacity allowed by your vehicle's trailer hitch setup

If any of these conditions apply, and so long as your hitch is rated for use with weight distribution, then you can choose a system based on your trailer's fully-loaded ready-to-tow tongue weight. Your Spree Escape E19SB has a dry hitch weight of 333-lbs according to the KZ website. In order to choose a suitable system you will need to measure your trailer's tongue weight when it is fully-loaded with all gear and supplies just as when you head out, and add to that the weight of anything that sits in the truck bed behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler, to get your total effective tongue weight. You can use a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044 or one of the methods outlined in the linked article on tongue weight.

You want to choose a system such that your total effective tongue weight falls in the middle of the operating range. A system rated too low will not provide the desired weight redistribution to the truck's front axle and one rated too high will result in a jumpy ride quality. Since your dry hitch weight is 333-lbs, your loaded tongue weight should likely be in the range of 450-500-lbs. The Pro Series # PS49583 that you referenced is rated a bit too high for you. A measured TW of 800-lbs would be more suitable for this hitch.

The provided link will take you to our main page for Pro Series weight distribution systems where you can select your effective tongue weight to see suitable options. For example, if your TW is 500-lbs then you might use the # RP65509, which will require addition of a hitch ball, either 19286 for 2-5/16-inch or # A-90 for a 2-inch.