Weight Distribution System Recommendation for Trailer with 550 lb of Tongue Weight

Question:

I HAVE THE ELITE BRAND WD HITCH WITH 10000 SPRING BARS TOWING A 2005 SUNLINE TT GROSS WEIGHT OF 5500 LBS. I AM TOWING WITH A 2017 F150 5.0L XL SUPERCAB WITH A MAX TRAILER TOWING OF 10500 LBS. MY TOUGUE WEIGHT IS 550 LBS, I GET A LOT OF BOUNCE WHEN TOWING. WOULD I BE BETTER OFF WITH A LIGHTER SPRING BAR LIKE 8000 LBS BARS? ALSO THIS IS A BASIC WD HITCH, IS THERE A WD HITCH THAT WOULD BE BETTER SUITED FOR MY APPLICATION. THANKS

asked by: ERIC

Expert Reply:

More is definitely not better when it comes to a weight distribution system's spring bar weight rating.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Since your loaded tongue weight is 550 lbs and your spring bars are rated for 1,000 lbs the bounce you are experiencing is due to that. Going with a lower rated spring bar will eliminate the bounce.

Best solution we have would be the Reese Strait Line system part # RP66083 which has a tongue weight range of 400-800 lbs and features only sway control to fight sway before it starts.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.