Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for 1999 Featherlite 4926 20-Foot Enclosed Trailer

Question:

I am looking for weight distribution and sway distribution system for a 1999 Featherlite 4926 20 foot enclosed trailer. can you tell me which systems may fit this trailer? Because it is a V shape front some products will not fit, so I have read. Thank you in advance.

asked by: Peter

Expert Reply:

The 20-foot Featherlite trailer model 4926 uses two 3500-lb axles and it has a dry weight of 2900-lbs according to the Featherlite online guide. But the key to choosing a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) system is knowing the actual tongue weight (TW) of the trailer when it is loaded up for the road, not just the empty trailer's dry weight. We offer a handy scale # e99044 that makes measuring TW easy.

Since Featherlite trailers use aluminum construction I suggest checking with them using your trailer VIN to confirm they have no concerns about installing a WD/SC system on your trailer's frame.

You also have to account for the weight of any cargo in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle. The weight of this cargo, say a loaded tool box for example, will act like trailer TW so you need to factor that weight into the total TW. Ideally the total TW falls in the middle of the operating range for the system you select.

I reviewed photos of this trailer and some versions have an exposed a-frame while others have a nose that extends further forward. It is possible to use WD/SC even on trailers that do not provide easy frame access. As you review the systems shown on the linked page take note of the recommended distance from the hitch ball for mounting the spring bar brackets that install on the frame. This will make it easy to find one that will fit the frame.

As an example, the light-duty Equal-I-zer system # EQ37040ET that you referenced works for a TW range up to 400-lbs and its spring bar frame brackets need to mount on the frame between 29- and 32-inches from the center of the hitch ball. The Equal-I-zer brackets are narrower than many others (they are only 2-inches wide) and this can make them easier to fit on some frames with limited access.

Reese offers bolt-on brackets # RP58305 and Curt offers their # C17005 that are great when you can't install the wrap-around type. These bolt to the sides of the trailer frame.