Recommended Weight Distribution With Sway Control For Open Range Trailer

Question:

Could you please give me your expert recommendation on the best WD Hitch with Sway Control for a Travel Trailer that I am about to purchase. My truck is a 2011 Chevy 2500HD 6.6 Duramax with a 2.5inch hitch. My trailer will be an Open Range Light 321BHTS that weighs about 9,000 pounds with a hitch weight of 1,100 pounds dry, will weigh more when I load it up but I dont know how much. I would like to get the best hitch possible that is properly suited. Thank you so much. Your website and my past experiences have all been excellent!

asked by: Aaron W

Expert Reply:

The best way to find a weight distribution system for your setup is to use a system where your total tongue weight falls near the middle of the tongue weight capacity range of the WD system.

Total tongue weight is the tongue weight of the trailer when it is fully loaded and ready-to-tow added to the weight of any cargo places behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. A good estimate is 10 to 15 percent of the trailer weight. If you get a system that is now big enough then it is essentially worthless for weight distribution. using a system that is to big results in a stiff ridgid ride that can be uncomfortable.

We offer a couple systems you can check out. The first system I recommend is the Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control, part # RP66130. This system is designed for tongue weights between 800 lbs - 1,500 lbs. Sway control is included with this system to help when traveling in high winds or passing large trucks on the highway.

If you find your total tongue weight is more then you may want to check out part # RP66075. The tongue weight range for this system is 1,000 to 1,700-lbs.

The adjustable shank or hitch ball is not included with either of these systems. The shank I recommend is part # RP54977. This shank has a 5-3/4 inch drop or 8-1/4 inch rise and will work with your 2-1/2 inch receiver.

For a 2-5/16 inch hitch ball you can use part # 63840.