Weight Distribution for a Trailer with 550 to 1,000 Pounds Tongue Weight
Question:
Im looking for a weight distribution with sway prevention for a camper that has a tongue weight of 555 lbs empty but could be near 1,000 lbs fully loaded. Is it better to choose a hitch rated closer to the empty weight or one that will be over the max weight even if the empty weight is below the hitchs minimum? Thank you for your help.
asked by: Dan H
Expert Reply:
To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
At 550 to 1,000 pounds that is a fairly good range. there are a couple of weighs to approach this. You can choose a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that covers most the that. There are systems rated for 400 to 800 pounds and then the next step up is 600 to 1,200 pounds.
What I recommend doing is using a system that is rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds, # RP66560. Then, when the trailer tongue weight is below 600 pounds you could angle the head downward so there is less tension on the spring bars. Or add about 45 pounds of weight to the trailer tongue so it is at least 600 pounds tongue weight all the time!
The Steadi-Flex system # RP66560 comes with built in sway control and a shank so the only other part needed is a ball. For a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 19286. I have linked a video of the Steadi-Flex system for you.
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 >
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 12K GTW, 1.2K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 900 lbs
- CURT
more information >
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