Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 3000lb ECO Trailer
Question:
I bought a small ECO camp trailer TW about 300# and GTW around 3000#. I have a heavy 1000#TW and 10,000# GTW equalizer hitch for a larger trailer but the comments I have read say that using the heavy hitch is unsafe. I have been looking at the light duty equalizer hitches and the single spring bar reese looks like it would work but I am surprised that it is so expensive compared to a set up with dual spring bars. Can you tell me why the single spring bar is so much more expenseive than a double set up that looks more stable. Thanks
asked by: Wayne
Expert Reply:
With a trailer weighing in at 3000 pounds, your tongue weight, at 10 to 15 percent of gross trailer weight, will be between 300 and 450 pounds. It would be best to go with a system with a wider range. For your trailer, I recommend the Reese Strait-Line # RP66072 weight distribution hitch with built in sway control. This system has a range of 300 to 600 pounds tongue weight, perfect for your trailer. You will additionally need the Reese # RP54970 shank so all you would need is a properly sized ball like # 19286 (2-5/16 inch diameter) or # A-90 (2 inch diameter).
Using a system that well exceeds the gross trailer and tongue weights will produce a very stiff ride and is not recommended. Instead, having a system with a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses that of the trailer is the way to go. I have included a link to our weight distribution FAQ article for you to view.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 2 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 1 Inch Drop
- Round - 5 Inch Rise
- Trunnion - 6 Inch Rise
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 6K GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 300 lbs
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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