Recommended Weight Distribution System for 7,500 Pound Boat Trailer with Surge Brakes

Question:

thanks for the info I am down in Florida now where I store this boat... I just realized that it is a STRAIGHT tongue on this BOAT trailer... I had a Y tongue on my 20 foot race car trailer so the WDH will not work on this as there is no where to attach the torsion arms ?

asked by: Richard S

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution system is typically needed whenever the weight of the trailer is more than 50 percent of the vehicle's weight (GVWR). Considering the 7,500 pound loaded weight of your trailer, I do recommend adding a weight distribution system. Your 2017 Tahoe weighs around 5,500 pounds. Additional indications that point to a need for a weight distribution system include sag on the rear of your truck when the trailer is hooked up, experiencing trailer sway, and difficulty steering or stopping your rig.

When searching for the correct weight distribution system, the most important factor to consider is the total tongue weight of your setup. This will include both the loaded tongue weight of the trailer and any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Tahoe. Ideally, this number will fall somewhere near the middle of the system's operating range. A trailer's tongue weight should be around 10 to 15 percent of its total weight. With this in mind, we can estimate a loaded tongue weight of 750 to 1,125 pounds using the 7,500 pound loaded weight you provided.

I recommend looking at the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System # RP66560. This system has a tongue weight capacity of 600 to 1,200 pounds and will do a great job of evenly distributing the weight over the axles of your trailer and tow vehicle. It does feature integrated sway control that will also limit the side-to-side movement of the trailer.

This particular system is compatible with surge brakes like what you have on your trailer. Unlike some systems that utilize snap-up brackets and chains, which can reduce the movement of the coupler, this system features chainless brackets and will work perfectly on your trailer. You will only need to add a compatible hitch ball like the 2 inch # A-90 or the 2-5/16 inch # 19286.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations on this system for you to check out. I have also included an FAQ article on weight distribution systems that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R

Richard

11/20/2017

Chris R.

11/20/2017

We actually have a product available that is designed specifically for trailers like yours that feature a straight pole tongue. I recommend taking a look at the Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems # RP58393. This will allow you to mount a weight distribution system to your trailer's straight tongue by providing mounting space for the system's lift brackets. This adapter is compatible with the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System recommended above and will work great. The necessary mounting brackets and hardware are included. I have attached the written installation details that you can also take a look at.