Recommended Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for 9800-lb Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

With proper trailer loading the tongue weight (TW) should fall within 10 to 15-percent of the gross weight. Generally speaking less sway will occur with the TW up near the 15-percent end of that range.

The key to selecting a weight distribution/sway control system like the excellent Reese Strait-Line is to know your precise fully-loaded trailer TW and to add to that the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator. With this total TW figure, you can select a system that is tuned correctly for your trailer; stiff enough to shift some TW forward onto the front axle but not so stiff that it causes weird handling from the trailer.

We offer a scale to measure TW, etrailer # e99044, but other methods are outlined in the linked article.

Once you know your total effective TW you can choose a system. Based on your estimated 9800-lb total loaded weight your TW should be in the vicinity of 1500-lbs. You want to choose a system so that your total TW falls into the middle of its operating range. For 1500-lbs TW the correct Strait-Line system is # RP66075 which is shown in the linked video.

All you need to add is a shank with the correct rise/drop to keep your trailer level when hitched, and a 2-5/16-inch hitch ball # 63840. You can use the included link to select a shank of the correct size for your hitch and with the required rise/drop to keep your trailer level, which is also important to minimizing sway.

expert reply by: Adam R

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