Can Weight Distribution System Be Used on Aluminum Trailer Frame
Question:
curt 17500 hitch hooking too atc aluminum frame trailer 7 incch beam brckets only fit 6 inch is there ahitch that eill work on these atc trailers or do imake brackets
asked by: BILL B
Expert Reply:
Not all aluminum trailer frames are strong enough for use with a steel weight distribution (WD) system. It is possible that the stronger steel WD components could put too much stress on the frame. If your trailer has an aluminum frame you'll first want to check with the manufacturer.
Locate your trailer's VIN, model number and manufacturer information and contact the maker. They will ask you about your typical weight loads and other details about your towing application. They will be able to advise you if you can use WD on your particular trailer without risk of twisting it's frame. You may also need a pole tongue adapter like # RP58393 if your frame is an I-beam; the adapter provides a spot to mount the WD lift springs.
If you can use WD, you'll want to select a system based on your total effective tongue weight (TW). This is the combined total of the fully loaded trailer's actual measured TW plus that of anything in the truck bed that sits behind the rear axle, such as a generator or loaded cooler. We offer a scale from etrailer, part # e99044, that makes it easier to measure your loaded trailer's TW. The linked article on TW includes other methods for measuring TW.
All WD systems have an effective operating range. The Curt TruTrack # C17500 works with a TW range from 800-1000-lbs. Ideally your total TW load will fall right in the middle of the operating range for the system. If rated too low, the system won't be able to shift TW forward onto the tow vehicle's front axle; if rated too high it might result in jumpy or erratic handling from the trailer. This system would be perfect for a 900-lb TW.
The linked article on weight distribution will give you broad background on these systems and make it easier to select an appropriate one.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Pole Tongue Adapters
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 900 lbs
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch for aluminum trailer
- Shop: Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Shop: Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Shop: Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Video: Truck Trolley Truck Bed Slide Review - 2020 Ford F-150
- Shop: etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Ladder Rack
- Q&A: Best Weight Distribution System for Towing a 28 ATC Aluminum Trailer with a 2017 Ford F-350
- Shop: Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Shop: Pole-Tongue Adapter for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Shop: Truck Trolley Truck Bed Slide Out Tray - 300 lbs
- Shop: Truck Bed Sliding Tray
- Video: Rhino-Rack Reconn-Deck Truck Bed Rack Review - 2022 Toyota Tundra
- Search Results: chain extension
- Search Results: safety chain extension
- Search Results: e track
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Video: Review of Demco Fifth Wheel Hitch - Autoslide 21K Chevrolet/GMC 5th Wheel Hitch - DM29GV
- Video: Manufacturer Review - Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: thtp54
- Search Results: tongue weight scale
- Q&A: Can Weight Distribution Be Used on an Aluminum Car Hauler Trailer
- Q&A: How To Mount Weight Distribution Hitch On 2021 Intech Flyer Discover W/ Completely Covered A-Frame