Recommendations For Weight Distribution With Sway Control That Allows Backing Up  

Question:

Expert Reply:

You would benefit from a weight distribution system if your trailer weighs more than 50 percent of your towing vehicle weight, if your headlights are pointed upward, if the rear end of the vehicle sags when towing or if you have a tough time steering or stopping when towing.

There are two things you will need to know when selecting a weight distribution system. You will need to know the weight of the trailer when it is fully loaded and ready to tow, and most importantly you will need to know the tongue weight. Tongue weight is the tongue weight of the ready-to-tow trailer added to the weight of any cargo you are carrying in the towing vehicle behind the rear axle. In my research I was unable to find information about Bonanza trailers. You may be able to find the information on a sticker or plate mounted to the trailer.

Ideally, you want to choose a system where your tongue weight is near the middle of the tongue weight range of the weight distribution system.

An example is if the trailer weighs about 8,000 lbs when loaded and the tongue weight is about 900 lbs I recommend a system like the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution w Sway Control, part # RP66560. This system is designed for trailers up to 12,000 lbs and for tongue weight between 600 and 1,200 lbs. The system also comes with sway control which can be causes by wind, curving roads, or passing trucks. This system also allows you back the trailer up with the system in place.

The hitch ball is sold separately. If you need a 2 inch diameter hitch ball I recommend part # A-90, and for a 2-5/16 inch hitch ball you would need part # 19286.

I have attached a link to our weight distribution systems with say control that allow backing up you can check out. If you find you have a different gross trailer weight and/ or tongue weight, let me know and I can make some recommendations that will work for you.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

0