What is the Difference Between a Trunnion and Round Spring Bars Weight Distribution System

Question:

I am interested in Reese WD and Sway product. I am about to make a purchase decision...What is the functional difference between : Trunnunion vs. Round Spring Bars in the Duo-Cam design? What is the benefit of each shape? Is the shape of the spring bar changing the spring caracteristic and consequently the driving behavior? Please advise.

asked by: Rudy

Expert Reply:

The round-style bars slide up into the head and are held in place with clips. The trunnion-style bars slide into the head from the side or the back.

If ground clearance is an issue, I recommend going with a trunnion-bar system because these bars slide into the weight distribution head. The trunnion bars don't hang down as low which is why they have better ground clearance.

The trunnion bar system are hot rolled and tapered giving it superb strength and flexibility. Some of the round bars are tapered but the trunnion bars are easier to install/remove.

The key to choosing the correct weight distribution system is to find the total tongue weight of your towing set up. The total tongue weight will include the loaded and ready-to-tow tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of any cargo loaded in your tow vehicle behind the rear axle.

The straight-line systems, like # RP66084 uses the dual cam sway control which is quite proactive. It will keep your trailer inline with the tow vehicle to prevent sway from even happening. If your tongue weight loaded and ready to go is 960 pounds, then the Reese straight-line weight distribution system # RP66084 is a great choice because the effective tongue weight range is 600-1,200 pounds.

I included a couple informative articles for you too.