Recommended Weight Distribution System for 20 Foot Trailer w/ 4746lb Dry Weight  

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Expert Reply:

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.

Determine the tongue weight when the trailer is fully loaded, then follow the provided link to our Weight Distribution Hitches. On the left margin of the page, click on the filter that most closely represents your tongue weight. If you're talking about an enclosed trailer, you might want to consider choosing a weight distribution hitch with a integrated sway control function, as enclosed trailers can be susceptible to trailer sway caused by cross winds or turbulence from oncoming or passing traffic.

The Reese Steadi-Flex is a proven weight distribution system with an integrated sway control system that's recommended for moderate to severe trailer sway. Given that your trailer has a dry weight of 4746 lbs, the likely best choice would be the # RP66560 which is recommended for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 600-1200 lbs. I'd encourage you to use the information provided in the FAQ article and determine the trailer's fully loaded tongue weight (including anything carried in the tow vehicle behind its rear axle).

If it falls in between 600-1200 lbs, the # RP66560 would be ideal. The system includes the weight distributing shank, but the correctly sized trailer ball is sold separately as part # A-90 for a 2 inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

expert reply by: Mike L

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