Backing a Trailer With Weight Distribution System

Question

Question:

The Reese WD RP6642 says you cannot back up, but the Reese Straight line says you can. Somehow the cams allow you to back up. What Im missing? Thanks

asked by: Joe S

0

Expert Reply:

Here's the story about backing your trailer with a weight distribution system. If you're using a friction sway control like part # 83660, you should remove the sway control unless you're backing more or less in a straight line.

If you're not using a friction sway control unit, it's okay to leave the bars in place while backing but keep in mind that the system, vehicle and the trailer can get damaged if the trailer jackknifes. If you're backing the trailer and cutting the wheels sharply, best to be safe and remove the spring bars.

I looked through the instructions for the Reese # RP66542, and wasn't able to find a reference about not backing the trailer while the spring bars are installed.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

Answer 1

If the trunnion weight distribution system has spring bars with curved ends like the Reese system part #RP66542 has then yes you can use the part #RP26002 with it. I attached a picture of what the spring bar ends need to look like.

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Answer 2

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to based on the loaded tongue weight of your setup when it is fully loaded and ready to go. I would recommend loading your trailer up camper like you are going on a trip and then determining…

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Answer 3

The Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System part #C17500 is my recommendation for an integrated weight distribution system with sway control. It also has a pre-torqued hitch ball as well so setup will be very simple. It can be used on trailer…

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Answer 4

There is a simple solution for you to use your Curt TruTrack #C17501 on a trailer frame that is 8 inches. What you would need to do is use the Frame Brackets for 8" Frames #C17515, which is designed to work with your system and clamps onto…

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Answer 5

You can have a 2-5/16 inch hitch ball on either a 1 inch or 1-1/4 inch shank. The nut on a hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank takes a wrench with a 1-7/8 inch socket. A hitch ball with a 1 inch shank will take a wrench with a 1-1/2 inch socket. You…

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Answer 6

Yes, the Sleeve-Lock A-Frame Trailer Coupler #CA-5196-B that you referenced is a weld-on coupler designed to fit 50 degree A-frame trailers like you mentioned. Nearly all A-frame trailers are 50 degree so it's hard to find A-frame couplers that…

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Answer 7

You definitely need a shank with more drop than what you currently have. Most likely the part #FA92-02-4315 would give you the amount drop you'd need as it has ability to provide up to 9-3/4 inches of drop but you'd want to first determine…

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Answer 8

An underslung trailer coupler is one that attaches to the bottom of the trailer frame and an overslung one is one that attaches to the top of the frame. Measuring is not required if you just take a look at your coupler and see where it attaches to…

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Answer 9

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 10

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 11

Hey Travis, congrats on the new 2024 Jayco Flight 284BHS! Your travel trailer looks to have a GVWR of 7,950 lbs so I recommend going with the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control #EQ37121ET and pairing it with the Shank…

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Answer 12

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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