Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendations for a 7,500 Pound Enclosed Trailer

Question

Question:

I will be towing an 8.5x20 enclosed trailer from the East Coast to the West Coast. Total trailer weight should be around 7500 lbs loaded. I am looking for a no-drill, non-permanent WDH with sway control. This only leaves me a couple of choices, one of which is the Reese RP66560 with friction sway control. Just how effective is the sway control on this unit? I understand the concept behind it metal on brake pad material to create friction, but Im concerned that it may not provide enough sway control for my size/weight trailer. What is your opinion/advise? Thanks,

asked by: Ed

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Expert Reply:

If given the choice between friction sway control and dual-cam sway control, I will always go with dual-cam. Dual-cam is preferred because it stops trailer sway before it starts. Friction sway control works to stop sway after the trailer has already started swaying. Friction sway control will work, but dual-cam is a pro-active system keeps sway from even starting.

When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want one that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses your trailers tongue weight, loaded and ready to tow. At 7,500 pounds, I recommend Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar, # RP66130.

Dual-cam systems do require drilling into the trailer frame but the performance you get from a dual-cam system may be worth it. But, if drilling is just not an option, I would go with Reese Weight Distribution w Sway Control, # RP66561, which uses friction sway control. This system does come with a shank and you would just need a properly sized ball like # 63840 (2-5/16 inch diameter) or # A-90 (2 inch diameter).

For the dual-cam system, # RP66130, you will also need shank # RP54970, and a properly sized ball like # 63840 (2-5/16 inch diameter). This system also comes with dual-cam sway control. I have included a link to the installation details and a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution for reference.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

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Answer 11

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