Recommended Weight Distribution and Sway Control System to Use When Hauling an R-POD
Question:
Never owned / towed any trailer prior. This is our first time towing anything and we want any and all advantages we can use regarding safety for us and anyone else on the road. We just purchased a 2017 R-POD model 180. GVRW is 3790 lbs. Would the RP66558 be a correct match for this trailer being pulled with a 2006 Toyota Tundra, 4WD, SR5, access cab with a tow capacity of 6900lbs? Ive read quite a bit on your site and watched several videos but we would still prefer some input before we order one of these. Weve been told we really dont need the weight distribution component, just the sway. But as stated earlier, I would rather have as much help as I can get from accessory equipment that actually does work since we have no prior experience. The final choice does not have to be the Reese 66558 but I do not want to drill holes in the new trailer so I picked this one. Thanks ahead for your advice.
asked by: Rick &
Expert Reply:
Even though the Weight Distribution (WD) System that you referenced, part # RP66558, is a good choice, I recommend going with a WD system that has a broader range. The Tongue Weight (TW) should be 10-15 percent of your Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). So if you only put a few things in your R-POD, you might not hit inside the 400-600 lb range of the # RP66558 WD system.
When you are choosing a weight distribution system, the tongue weight is equal to the tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of anything behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. The Reese Strait-Line System with Sway Control, part # RP66082, has a range of 200-600 lbs which I think would be much safer for you to use. If you decide to drive the trailer and you do not have anything in it, you won't have to worry about whether or not your WD system is going to help or hurt your driving situation.
Keep in mind that when you are towing, you want to have the most level setup as possible, even before using a WD system. Since the the WD system, part # RP66082, has a shank that only has a drop of 1-1/4 inches you might consider getting a different shank to use. I have attached an article about how to figure out if you need to use a drop or rise shank, and if you end up needing more of a drop, the Reese WD Shank, part # RP3215, has a drop of 6-3/4 inches.
You will also need a hitch ball with this WD system. The Curt 2 inch Hitch Ball # A-90 has the appropriate size shank that you will need and a lot of trailer couplers use a 2 inch hitch ball, but you will want to double check what size hitch ball you need before purchasing one.
I have attached some demonstration videos and some helpful articles as well that you can check out for more information. If your Tundra doesn't have the wiring harness that you need to tow your R-POD, just let me know and I would be happy to make a recommendation for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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