Choosing Correct Weight Distribution System for Sun Valley Road Runner 15 Foot Travel Trailer

Question

Question:

I am a newbie trying to figure out what sort of weight distribution hitch with sway control I should buy for my small Travel Trailer. I want the WD hitch to be as safe as possible. I am confused on what is all the info I need to to calculate what size WD hitch I should buy. Here is what I have: Tow Vehicle: 2004 Dodge Dakota 2wd 3.7L 6 Cyl. with Tow Package GVWR 5350lb GAWR front 3100lb GAWR rear 3160lb Travel Trailer: 2003 Sun Valley Road Runner M130 15foot x 76 GVWR 2500lb GAWR 2000lb GAW 2025lb TW 190lb stamped on the tongue is the max tongue weight of 700lbs I hope this is enough info to answer my question, if not please let me know.

asked by: Paul

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Expert Reply:

Picking up the correct weight distribution system for your needs isn't as difficult as you might think. The key thing you'll need to know in order to choose the correct system is the trailers tongue weight when it's fully loaded and ready to tow. This should also include the weight of anything carried in the truck bed behind the back axle. I've linked you to an FAQ article that lists a few methods of finding the loaded tongue weight of the trailer.

Weight distribution systems have a range of effective tongue weights. For instance, the Reese Strait-Line weight distribution system you looked over, part # RP66082 is effective on trailers whose tongue weights range from 200-600 lbs. Ideally, you'll want your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer tongue weight to fall as closely as possible to the center of the range of the system you choose. So for the # RP6608, ideally the trailer's tongue weight would be close to 400 lbs, so you'd have lots of wiggle room on the high side and the low side. The system includes a weight distributing shank, but the # A-90 is sold separately. Or, if you need a 2-5/16 inch ball, use # 19286.

If your tongue weight is lower than that, somewhere in the neighborhood of 250-300 lbs, I'd recommend something a bit simpler, like the # EQ37040ET from Equal-I-zer. This system is recommended for trailers with fully loaded tongue weights from 100-400 lbs. This type of system is simpler to set up and use, because it has fewer moving parts and is mechanically less complicated. This system includes the shank, but the 2 inch # EQ91-00-6080 trailer ball or the # EQ91-00-6100 2-5/16 inch ball is sold separately.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

The owner's manual for the weight distribution system should have a section that details how to check that the system is setup and adjusted properly. This is usually done using a series of measurements of the tow vehicle loaded/unloaded. I have…

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Answer 2

The weight distribution system I recommend for you with your 2006 Honda Odyssey is the Equal-I-zer Weight Distribution System with 4-Point Sway Control #EQ37040ET. This system uses trunnion-style arms that will help with ground clearance, as…

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Answer 3

Thanks for the kind words! Before we get into the best weight distribution solution for your needs you should note that the best way to fight sway is in how you load the trailer. If you can move as much weight to the front of the trailer and make…

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Answer 4

The best weight distribution hitch for your 2021 Toyota Sienna XLS is going to be the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System item #EQ37040ET. This system has built in sway control that will keep your Scamp Trailer inline when you are going down the…

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Answer 5

For your Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control #EQ37040ET since your tray is right at that 25-32 inches back from the center of your coupler where your brackets need to be, the best solution to use this system is to drill…

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Answer 6

When choosing a weight distribution system, it is key to know your trailer's loaded and ready to tow tongue weight. To this tongue weight you will need to add the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle in the back of your 2011 Toyota RAV4. Once…

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Answer 7

The trailer hitch I recommend for your 2008 Honda Odyssey is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame #75270 because it doesn't require any fascia trimming (like the etrailer and Curt might). This, as well as the other trailer hitches, exceeds the weight ratings…

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Answer 8

The Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control that you referenced is a great system, but as you mentioned it does require drilling. There may also be issues with certain size trailer frames. Therefore, it may not be the best option for…

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Answer 9

Your 2018 Forest River R-pod 189 will require a 2" ball. I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System #EQ37040ET as it best meets your weight specifications. A 2" ball is included with this hitch. The Equal-i-zer also features a 4…

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Answer 10

With weight distribution systems like the Equal-I-Zer #EQ37040ET that you referenced you can back up and turn slightly but you basically can't jackknife the trailer as it will brake things. If you can imagine how tight of a turn you can get into…

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Answer 11

Hi and welcome to the adventure of pop-up campers. Please note the attached links below for the product reviews, installation instructions and helpful articles that etrailer.com has published. First for your trailer hitch, I recommend the etrailer…

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Answer 12

First, you will want to determine if the hitch you have on your vehicle is rated for use with a weight distribution system. This information will be located on an ID label on the hitch itself. There will be a gross trailer weight and tongue weight…

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