Recommended Weight Distribution System for ATV Trailer
Question:
Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. I am looking into getting a weight distribution hitch with sway bar system to tow our 2 atvs and a Polaris razor approx. 2300lbs. We have a Big Tex 50LA dual axle trailer that weighs 1700lbs dry. The Durango does come with the tow package which includes a heavy duty radiator tow hitch load leveling shocks. Thank you for your time,
asked by: Jose
Expert Reply:
The most important factor to consider when choosing a weight distribution system is the total tongue weight of your setup. This will include both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer (with the ATVs and Razor loaded), along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Durango. Ideally, you will want this number to fall somewhere near the middle of the system's operating range.
Based on the information you provided, we can estimate what your total tongue weight will end up being. However, I do recommend verifying this information with a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # 99044.
We can start by looking at the loaded overall weight of your trailer. If we add the dry weight of 1,700 pounds to the weight of your cargo (2,300 pounds), we get a loaded weight of 4,000 pounds. From here, we can take a rough estimate of the loaded tongue weight because a trailer's tongue weight should be 10-15% of its total weight. This gives us an estimated, loaded tongue weight of 400 to 600 pounds. We will want to leave some wiggle room for any cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle, as well.
With this in mind, I recommend looking at the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control # RP66083. This system has a tongue weight capacity range of 400 to 800 pounds and will do a great job of evenly distributing weight over the axles of your trailer and Durango. It features integrated sway control that will hold your trailer steady during crosswinds, sharp turns and sudden swerving. You will just need to add a compatible hitch ball like the 2 inch # A-90 or 2-5/16 inch # 19286.
I have attached a video demonstration on this system along with an article on weight distribution systems that you might also find helpful.
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 >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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on Weight Distribution Hitch
