Recommended Weight Distribution System for Towing a Trailer with 270 lbs Dry Tongue Weight

Question:

I think I have the following situation: My trailer is the Fleetwood E1, My tongue weight unloaded is 270#. The recommended system # 49586 seems to heavy. Is there an alternative. I can email sketch of my trailer if you send. Thank you

asked by: Bud P

Expert Reply:

The Pro Series Trunnion Style Weight Distribution Kit # 49586 actually could very well be the correct fit for you. When you are choosing a Weight Distribution (WD) system you want to use one that has a Tongue Weight (TW) range that the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your setup falls in the middle of.

You can find your TTW by adding the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2015 Nissan Xterra, like a cooler. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight. Since the Pro Series 49902 has a TW range of 550 lbs - 750 lbs it most likely is not the right system.

It looks like you have limited frame space on your trailer to mount the change hanger brackets so you could use a bolt-on system like the Reese # RP58305 which only takes up space on the side of your trailer frame. This system doesn't come with a hitch ball so you will need either the 2 inch Hitch Ball # A-90, or 2-5/16 inch Hitch Ball # 19286 depending on what your coupler size is.

expert reply by: Jon G