Weight Distribution Recommendations for Towing Jayfeather 23B with 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450

Question:

I have a 2008 Mercedes Benz gl450 it has the factory flex-n-gate hitch it says my model has a max gross trailer weight of 7500 lb and a max tongue weight of 600 lb I am towing an 05 jayfeather 23b with a gross weight of 4950 I am looking for a weight distribution system do I need a new hitch ? What is rite for my car will it prevent sway or is that separate I attached a pic of the info from the hitch on the car if it helps

asked by: Joseph

Expert Reply:

Since the rating sticker on your OEM hitch lists a weight distribution rating, it is acceptable to use weight distribution with your existing hitch, but you cannot exceed the 7500 lb towing/600 lb tongue weight capacity of the hitch. Thanks for including that photo!

To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area behind the vehicle's rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

Trailer sway usually becomes a bigger problem as the length and height of the trailer increases. Long, tall trailers or travel trailers provide a lot of surface area for crosswinds and turbulence from passing traffic to act upon. Since your trailer is around 25 feet long, fairly tall and isn't very heavy for its size, it's likely you're going to have a sway problem.

The Reese Strait-Line W/D hitch you looked at, part # RP66074 would be a good choice, if your trailer's TTW is near the center of the system's 600-1200 range of effectiveness, but since your stated tongue weight capacity of your OEM hitch is 600 lbs, if the trailer tongue weight is greater than 600 lbs, I cannot recommend towing it with your vehicle. If your TTW is less than 600 lbs, a lower rated system like part # RP66083 with its 400-800 lb effective range would be a better choice.

The Strait-Line system uses the Reese Dual Cam Sway Control, which literally forces the trailer to stay directly in line behind the tow vehicle. It will prevent trailer sway from occurring before it begins.

The systems I mentioned above include the weight distributing shank, but the appropriately sized trailer ball is sold separately as part # A-90 for a 2 inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

I've also linked you to an FAQ article that provides an in-depth explanation of how weight distribution works.