Recommend A Weight Distribution System With Sway Control For 2008 Gulfstream Ultra-Lite 21 LE  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I did some research and found that the dry weight of your 2008 Gulfstream Ultra-Lite 21 LE Trailer is approximately 3,200 lbs when not loaded. When choosing a weight distribution system, the tongue weight of your trailer will determine the proper weight distribution system. Tongue weight is usually about 10-15 percent of Gross Trailer Weight loaded and ready to tow. So I multiplied 3,200 lbs by 15 percent and came up with 480.

If you find that you will have a lighter loaded trailer, I would recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Round Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW, part # RP66086, which is recommended for trailers with tongue weight up to 600 pounds.

If you find that you will have a heavier loaded trailer I would recommend the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW, part # RP66083, which is designed for trailers with a tongue weight between 400 and 800 lbs. Part # RP66083 features dual-cam sway control which acts to prevent trailer sway before it starts.

The heavier duty weight distribution system, part # RP66083 would be a good choice if you might be towing a heavier trailer in the future.

I would recommend loading your trailer as if you were going to go camping or on a trip and have your trailer weighed at a commercial truck scale. To do this you would want to unhitch your trailer, and have the jack sit of the trailer on the scale and the wheels of the trailer off the scale, this will give you the loaded tongue weight of your trailer.

In addition to part # RP66083, you will need a hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank if you do not already have one. Depending on your coupler size you will need either a 2 inch or 2-5/16 hitch ball. For a 2 inch ballI would recommend Hitch Ball with 2 Inch Diameter and Medium Shank, 8,000 lbs GTW - Chrome, part # A-90. For a 2-5/16 inch ball, I would recommend Hitch Ball with 2-5/16 Diameter and Medium Shank, 12,000 lbs GTW - Chrome, part # 19286.

You will want to make sure to not exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle or hitch. Your towing capacity will be limited to the capacity of the lowest rated component of your towing setup.

I have linked instructions for the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar, part # RP66083, and an FAQ on weight distribution.

expert reply by: Reno H

0