How to Choose the Correct Weight Distribution System for a Trailer Weighing 1650 lbs Dry  

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The most important piece of information that you will need to know before choosing a Weight Distribution (WD) system is the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your setup. You can find your TTW by adding the Tongue Weight (TW) of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with any weight that you will be putting behind the rear axle of your 1984 Land Cruiser. Once you know what this number is you will then be able to determine which WD system is best for your application.

There are 2 other things to keep in mind as well. The TW of your trailer should be between 10-15% of the weight of your trailer, and the system that you choose needs to have a weight range that your TTW falls in the middle of. If the WD system isn't strong enough you will hardly even know it is there and if it is too much you will definitely be able to tell it is there because of how rigid it will be. Since you seem to have a fairly light trailer it is very unlikely that your TTW will reach the range of 800-1,000 lbs that the Curt # C17500 that you referenced has.

For your towing setup I recommend using the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System part # RP66082. This specific part has a weight range of 200-600 lbs which should be in the range of your TTW. The great thing about the Strait-Line systems is that they actually work to prevent sway before it starts as opposed to other systems that correct it after it has started.

This part comes with a shank so the only other thing you will need is a hitch ball. You can use part # A-90 for a 2 inch diameter hitch ball or part # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter hitch ball.

expert reply by: Jon G

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