Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a Trailer with 1,300 lbs Tongue Weight

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Question:

Hello, I purchased a Pro Series weight distribution system with friction sway control for 10,000lbs GTW and 1,000lbs TW a couple years ago to borrow a friends trailer. This year, we decided to purchase our own. The GTW is around 8,000lbs and the TW is 1,100lbs. I suspect with cargo toward the front of the trailer, the TW is probably closer to 1,300lbs. Our dealer said this system would work fine and set it up for me ball height/angle, sway bars, etc.. We just got back from a trip where a stretch of road really got the trailer/truck bouncing pretty violently. Im wondering if getting a WD system rated for higher TW would help with that bounce, as well as with the sway? In terms of the sway, the original system came with one friction sway bar. Would a second be beneficial? The sway was most uncomfortable when a vehicle came right up on my bumper and would pass on the freeway. I have a 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500, so Im sure some of the ride was just due to the truck basically being maxed out. Thanks

asked by: Curtis B

0

Expert Reply:

You definitely need a higher rated weight distribution system. Since you have a shank and a friction sway control unit already you would want the Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank # RP66131.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

The # RP66131 has a tongue weight range of 800 lbs - 1,500 lbs so it would work well with your 1,300 lb tongue weight.

Also, be sure that you aren't overloading your truck as well. If your trailer is over the weight capacity of your truck there's isn't anything I can recommend that will allow it to be towed safely.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

Yes, the max drop of the Curt Short Arm part #C17333 is only 1/2 inch due to the head design. For a shank that you could use with this system that would allow a 3 inch drop you would want the Curt #17120 which can do a drop of up to 5 inches. There…

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Answer 2

There is no real difference in the function between the different size bars that you mentioned, as it is more something that one brand of weight distribution hitch uses to be a bit different than another brand. The only time it really makes a…

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Answer 3

Your absolute best solution would be to use your 1,400 lb rated Equalizer system for when you have the motorcycle loaded and then use a lighter rated head and spring bar when you aren't transporting the motorcycle. For that you would want to use…

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Answer 4

I can not speak for any manufacturers ratings either on your truck or on your OEM hitch. That being said you would need to talk to someone at the Chrysler/Dodge dealer to obtain the actual ratings on your hitch and truck. You should be able to find…

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Answer 5

The Curt E16 5th Wheel Hitch that you referenced, part #C16115, is rated for 5th wheel trailers up to 16,000-lbs gross towing weight. Gross towing weight means the trailer weight plus the weight of all loaded water, propane, supplies and equipment -…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 11

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 12

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a Trailer with 1,300 lbs Tongue Weight

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