Troubleshooting Strait-Line Weight Distribution Where Spring Bar Chains Are Loose

Question

Question:

question about WD dual cam hitch, 1. trailer weight 7800 # 2. truck weight 7300 # truck = 2009 ram 2500 HD 6.5 crew cab 6.7 CTD trailer = 2009 KEYSTONE OUTBACK SYDNEY 32 feet the unit came with a reese dual cam sway unit ,1200/12000 are these bars way overkill for my use ,it seems i cannot get any tension on the chains as there should be . on my previous unit i just had WD and the friction type of sway control. my problem when transporting the unit home i had an enormous amount of sway 45 mph cross winds .. i know there would be some sway but this is way more than i had with the other type of setup ,this is a new used truck and new USED trailer ,i thought this would be a perfect setup/combo.. any advice would be very appreciated, also i pulled my old setup for 12 years and i am a tractor trailer driver 34 years.. thanks for your help.

asked by: John G

0

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you have the Reese part # RP66084 that came with your trailer. For your trailer's weight of 7,800 lbs it would have a tongue weight that would work perfectly with this system which has a tongue weight range of 600-1,200 lbs.

Sounds like you don't have the angle of the head of the system set properly and that is why you can't get spring bar tension. You will want to angle the head back so that the bars point more towards the ground which will mean that the chains would have quite a bit of tension.

The complete installation instructions for the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution Hitch # RP66084 are attached for your reference. While these do provide complete adjustment instructions for the hitch head angle the chart you referred to (from page 2 of the instructions) is also provided in the linked photo.

The chart includes images of several coupler styles and provides the spring bar height (dimension Y) based on the coupler style and measured coupler height.

You might refer to the linked video as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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click to enlarge

Answer 1

I recommend using the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System #RP66084 for towing your 2021 Keystone Springdale 260BH. This hitch is rated for tongue weights of 600-1,200lbs, your Springdale comes from the factory at 510lbs dry. Once propane a battery…

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Answer 2

I spoke with my contact at Reese and he said they have not had any reported issues that the rivet nuts included with the Dual Cam sway control were too small. Just to be sure, you can check the knurls of the nut with a dial caliper to make sure they…

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Answer 3

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 4

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 5

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 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 7

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 8

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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Answer 9

Hey Donald, the best Blue Ox weight distribution would be the pat #BXW0550 as it has a perfect tongue weight range for your 450 lb tongue weight trailer.

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Answer 10

Most of the 2-5/16 inch hitch balls will use either a 1-inch diameter shank or 1-1/4 inch diameter shank. The nut size on a hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank, like the Tow Ready 2-5/16 Inch Hitch Ball, part #19286, will use a 1-7/8 inch socket. A…

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Answer 11

Curt recommends the use of 250 ft/lbs of torque when tightening the nuts of their hitch balls with a 1 inch diameter shank like the part #C40034 that you referenced. The general rule is for a 3/4" shank tighten to 150 ft/lbs For a 1" shank…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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