Recommended Weight Distribution System With Sway Control For 29 Ft Arctic Fox Trailer
Question:
I have a sway problem pulling my trailer using a Reese 12,000# equalizer hitch. The trailer is a 29foot Arctic Fox and the TV is a 2015 Ram 2500 crew cab, short bed with a Cummins engine. The sway was VERY bad on my first use, better on the second but still not acceptable after lessening the about of equalizing to increase tongue weight went from 3 ped links to 2. I had originally put enough equalizing with the 3 ped links to level the TV. After hitching for the second pull I weighed the trailer. I first weighed the trailer while hitched with the truck off of the scale. Trailer axle weight was 10,100. I then weighed the trailer alone and the total weight of the trailer, unhitched, was 11,200. I estimate I had 150# of weight behind the rear wheels of the truck. I still had an unacceptable amount of sway in the trailer during downhill curves and some sway when passed by trucks. I have looked at Reese DC, Equal-i-zer, Blue Ox and Andersen hitch information and comments online and would like you help in assisting me in choosing a new hitch to stop the sway. Thanks in advance.
asked by: Bob W
Expert Reply:
To find the best weight distribution with sway control you will need to know a couple things. First, you already know the weight of the trailer as you said you had it weighed when it was unhitched and that was 11,200 lbs.
The next thing you need to know is the tongue weight. This should be done when the trailer is loaded and ready-to-tow condition. You need the tongue weight of the trailer added to the cargo weight in the tow vehicle behind the rear axle. You then try to find a system where that weight is close to the middle of the range for a system. Normally, the tongue weight is somewhere between 10 and 15 percent of the trailer weight.
The weight distribution system I recommend for you is the Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control, part # RP66130. This system has a 15,000 gross towing weight capacity and is designed for tongue weight between 800 lbs and 1,500 lbs.
Another system you may want to check out is the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control, part # BXW1500. This system has a 15,000 gross towing weight capacity and a tongue weight capacity of 1,500 lbs, and features built-in sway control. I have attached a product review video you can check out.
The hitch ball is sold separately and this system requires a hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank like part # A-90 for a 2 inch hitch ball and part # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch hitch ball.
I have attached a helpful article about weight distribution and sway control you can take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Severe Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Blue Ox
more information >
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Instructions
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