Spring Bar Substitution for Pro Series Weight Distribution System with Friction Sway Control

Question:

Tow vehicle 2015 Dodge Durango, 3.6L, with factory tow package. Tow capacity is 6,200 lb. Purchasing a Jayco X23B travel trailer 4950 GVWR and unloaded TW of 410 lb. Im assuming a loaded tongue weight of around 600 lb. The trailer comes with a Pro Series 49903 WDH with sway control see photo. This system is rated at 10,000 lb with a TW of 1,000 lb. I have been told that this may result in too much stiffness for our setup, but it is what the dealer supplied when the the travel trailer was purchased. My questions: 1 Can the round bars of the PS49903 be replaced with bars rated at 750 lb, such as the PS58440? 2 What is the no backing upinch issue with the PS49903? Thanks!

asked by: Craig W

Expert Reply:

Typically a travel trailer that has an unloaded tongue weight (TW) or dry hitch weight of 410-lbs will have a loaded TW somewhere in the 600-650-lb range by the time you fill your water and propane tanks and load your supplies and recreational equipment. A WD system rated for up to 1200-lbs such as the Pro Series # 49570 would be too stiff for a 600-lb TW.

If this is your actual measured TW figure (we offer a handy scale to make it easy to check, part # e99044) then lighter-rated replacement spring bars # PS58440 are the way to go. No other parts are needed to make this change.

Reversing a trailer that has a friction-style anti-sway unit like # 83660 does require disconnecting this mechanism. Such friction units will be damaged if you back up the trailer with it connected and under tension. Other (better) weight distribution systems that have their anti-sway integrated into the hitch head, such as the Reese Straight-Line # RP66083 shown in the linked video, do not have this limitation; you can back up without any concerns. This particular system would be ideal for a 600-lb TW.

expert reply by: Adam R