Anti-Sway Weight Distribution System Recommendations for 30 Foot Jayco Travel Trailer

Question:

I currently have a Husky round bar weight distributing hitch with 1,000# bars. Can I convert to the Reese Straight Line cam system by simply buying the bars and the cam brackets? Would I be better off buying the entire system? I am also considering the Blue Ox system. Which is better? I have a 30foot Jayco that is about 800 pounds of tongue weight empty and I suspect pushing 950 loaded.

asked by: Mike V

Expert Reply:

I cannot recommend attempting to uses your existing Husky weight distribution head with the Reese spring bars and Dual Cam sway control system. It's not known if the parts are compatible, and the weight capacity would be unknown because the parts haven't been tested together. I'd recommend replacing your current system.

To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the SUV or truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures represent the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

Given that your travel trailer is rather long and heavy, it presents a lot of surface area for crosswinds and turbulence from passing traffic to act upon. In my opinion, the Reese Strait-Line system offers the best sway control performance by preventing sway before it can occur instead of merely preventing it like other systems do. Since your trailer tongue weight is between 600-1200 lbs, I'd recommend the # RP66084 system. The weight distributing shank is included, but the # 19286 2-5/16 inch trailer ball is sold separately.

expert reply by: Mike L