Recommended Weight Distribution for a Trailer With 450 lbs TW Dry and 1,000 lbs TW Loaded

Question:

I have a 10,000 lb. enclosed v nose trailer and an empty tongue weight of 450lb. after loading car in trailer, I moved it till I had 1000lb tongue weight. I am looking at the Reese Steadi-Flex #66559 for WD. I have to haul the trailer empty to pick up a car sometimes. Will there be a problem with the empty tow?

asked by: Michael P

Expert Reply:

When looking into Weight Distribution (WD) systems you want to find one that has a range that your Total Tongue Weight (TTW) falls in the middle of. Your TTW can be found by adding the Tongue Weight (TW) of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with the weight of any cargo that sits behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle.

Since the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66559 that you referenced has a weight range of 500- 1,000 lbs it will be a little too stiff when you do not have your car loaded up. Since your setup with the loaded car has a trailer TW of 1,000 lbs (not including gear behind rear axle) it will also be at its max capacity which means it will not perform at its best.

I recommend going with the Steadi-Flex # RP66560 which is rated for 1,200 lbs TW. This will better handle the 1,000 lbs of TW that you mentioned. It will still be too stiff and can make the ride uncomfortable when your car isn't loaded. Unless you are wanting to swap out your WD system when you have loaded and unloaded your vehicle your best option is to get one that will work properly when the vehicle is loaded in the trailer. You might want to take it off when the vehicle isn't loaded though.

I wish there was a WD system that had a TW range that would fit for your application, but since car haulers have such a big change in the TW it is very rare that a WD system would have the range that fits what a car hauler needs.

Keep in mind that neither of these systems come with a hitch ball. If you need a hitch ball with a 2 inch diameter you can use part # A-90 and if you need a 2-5/16 inch diameter you will need part # 19286 instead.