Weight Distribution System That Doesnt Involve Drilling Trailer Frame for 8000 lbTrailer

Question:

I will be making a coast to coast move this summer My truck is a 2014 Ram 1500 w/max trailer kit, and my Trailer is a 20foot enclosed car hauler which will be loaded to about 8000 lbs. I already have Airlift helper bags in my rear springs and E Load rated tires on my truck. I am seriously considering a WD hitch with sway control, but I do not want to drill holes in the frame of the trailer as it does not belong to me. Can you recommend a product that might work for my needs? Thank you.

asked by: Aaron J

Expert Reply:

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 of the truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures will be added together to arrive at 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.

The weight distribution system we offer with the best-performing sway control would be the Reese Strait-Line system like part # RP66084. However, installing this system would involve drilling holes in the trailer frame. The next best (but still very good) option would be the Reese Steadi-Flex system that uses trailer frame brackets that clamp around, but don't bolt through the trailer frame members.

For a fully loaded tongue weight of 600-1200 lbs (likely for your trailer), use part # RP66560. If the tongue weight is between 700-1400 lbs, use part # RP66561. Both systems include the weight distributing shank, but the necessary trailer ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use # A-90 or for a 2-5/16 inch ball, use part # 19286.

expert reply by: Mike L