Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2017 Rpod 178 Camper

Question:

Howdy folks! You seem super knowledgeable and I love how readily you respond to your customers and then post the answers online for those of us to learn from. I am sure I could figure this out on my own but you guys are pro and I am a newbie trailer owner. I am buying a 2017 Rpod 178 with a UVW of 2554 lbs and a hitch weight of 257 lbs. The tow vehicle will be a 2002 Toyota 4Runner which is not ideal but I will be buying a Ford F150 or similar TV within the year. I know already that I want a hitch system with weight distribution and sway control. I rented one of these trailers prior to buying and the sway was substantial and I figure WD would be a nice feature that I can use now and with the new truck. I also want to be able to back up without having to take off any bars for sway control so the Husky Centerline and Equalizer systems have caught my eye so far but I would like your suggestions as the people that actually do this for a living! I dont think I would ever have a tongue weight in excess of 500 - 600 lbs with either the 4Runner or the half ton F150 but you may know better than I what average weights run when loaded up for normal use. Thanks in advance!

asked by: John G

Expert Reply:

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 sure it is sitting as level as possible that will be your best way to prevent the sway.

Now the best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

The best sway control system we have is the Strait Line part # RP66083 that has a tongue weight range of 400-800 lbs and has the only sway control that works to prevent sway before it starts.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.

You can back up with this system as well as long as you are mainly backing up in a straight line (no pun intended considering the name of the system).