Using Weight Distribution Hitch on Trailer with Side-Frame-Mount Jack

Question

Question:

Hi, I have a utility trailer with a 6000lbs capacity. I will need to carry a load of approx. 5000lbs on a long distance quite often. I am wondering if I could install torsion bars any kind/type to shift some load to the front of my pickup truck or if the tongue jack will cause an issue. The jack is not centered, its on the side of the A frame. If it is possible, which product would work, or will any fit? Thanks

asked by: Roch

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to use a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) system it is necessary to have room on the trailer A-frame to mount the spring bar lift brackets and the hitch on the tow vehicle must specifically be rated for use with WD/SC systems. The hitch safety sticker will indicate if it is indeed rated for use with WD.

As for the jack, it sounds like you have a side-frame-mount jack like # FXPD15L or one of the similar jacks of this type shown on the linked page.

Some of these, like # TJD-7000S, weld on to the frame and cannot be easily moved; others like # FXPD15L and # STC-V211 bolt on and so they allow for some flexibility in exactly where they will install on the trailer frame. If your jack is a bolt-on type you may be able to simply reposition it. If your A-frame trailer has a central mounting point for a tongue jack like # TJA-5000S-B then this is the way to go.

The key to selecting a WD/SC system is know the actual measured tongue weight (TW) of the trailer when it is loaded up. We offer a scale that makes this measurement easy, part # e99044. to the measured trailer TW you will add the weight of any cargo in the vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, such as a tool box or generator. This cargo weight needs to be added to the TW figure since it will affect the operation of the WD system. Ideally your total TW will fall in the middle of the operating range for the system. For instance, a 5000-lb trailer that is properly loaded will have TW of about 600 to 700-lbs. An example of a WD system suited to this TW is # RP66083.

This system requires that the frame-mounted spring brackets be positioned about 30-inches rear of the hitch ball. The brackets need about 5-1/2-inches of room along each frame rail. Other systems like the Fastway # FA92-00-0800 use narrower brackets that take up less room. This system's brackets require placement 27- to 30-inches rear of the hitch ball.

Your best bet is to check your hitch to confirm it is rated for WD and to send us a photo of your trailer tongue that shows the jack position.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Answer 1

With the design of your Legend Trailer V-Nose I recommend using the Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control #335TSC-1000. The positioning of the jack in combination with the trailers tongue are going to make it impossible to use a traditional weight…

view full answer...

Answer 2

There are a pair of options to get a roof rack on your 2007 Fleetwood Westlake Camper. The SportRack Pop-Up Camper Roof Rack #SR1020 has a weight capacity of 200 lbs, and can adjust from 80", 83" or 86" long while measuring…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The difference between top wind and sidewind is really mainly about personal preference and somewhat about clearance. Basically which way to you want to crank the jack? Horizontally or vertically? Based on your picture you'd easily be able to…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Though these two jacks do look to be nearly identical, there is one fairly large difference, and one lesser of one as well. The large one being the weight capacities they can handle. The #HD50000101 is rated up to 5,000 pounds, whereas the…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Sounds like you are looking for a lower profile jack for your trailer so that the tailgate of the vehicle does not interfere with it. I went to our warehouse and was able to locate an a-frame jack that measured less than 12 inches from the bracket…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 9

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The B&W Continuum #BW78FR and the Reese Strait-Line #RP66083 are both great systems. The B&W Continuum is going to be easier to set up, but as far as sway control goes, I definitely have to give the edge to the Reese Strait-Line. The…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The round or trunnion bars refers to the end of the spring bars. Round bars are typically designed for lighter applications, are a bit harder to install and are usually priced lower than trunnion bars. Trunnion bars are typically designed to be used…

view full answer...