Parts Needed to Convert Reese Weight Distribution System to Dual Cam Operation  

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Expert Reply:

The cost for replacing the parts on your round bar/friction sway control weight distribution system to allow you to convert it to dual cam operation like your old system is so close to the cost of a whole new one that I recommend you purchase a new system and sell off the old parts. You'd need to change the head, spring bars and also add the dual cam mechanisms.

A complete new system ensures you'll have no potential fit/compatibility issues between the old and new parts, and it also means you'll have a new warranty in place on all of it. You will also be able to make certain that you use a system that is tuned properly to the tongue weight (TW) of the new trailer, which is certainly likely to differ somewhat from the old one.

Selecting the right WD/SC system requires you to know the actual measured TW of the fully-loaded road-ready trailer with its water and propane tanks filled, and all gear and supplies loaded. You also need to account for the weight of anything that sits behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle, such as a loaded cooler or generator. All of this combined weight is what your WD/SC system will "see" and you want to choose a system such that this total TW falls right near the middle of the system's operating range.

A Reese system rated for 1200-lbs of TW, such as their trunnion type Strait-Line # RP66130, works over a TW range of 800- to 1500-lbs. This would be ideal for a total TW of 1100- to 1200-lbs.

All you'd need to add is a shank (unless you old one suits the new trailer's height) and a hitch ball with a 1-1/4-inch shank diameter.

expert reply by: Adam R

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