Recommended Weight Distribution System For Towing A Tent Trailer With A 2014 Town And Country Van

Question:

I have a 2008 Starcraft RT 13 toy hauler with a with a dry weight 2979 lb payload capacity 639 lb gross vehicle weight4000 lb with a hitch weight 474 lb. Pro Series weight disposition and swing away control part number PS4 99003 help with the tongue weight.

asked by: Jim S

Helpful Expert Reply:

When choosing a weight distribution (WD) system, the tongue weight (TW) is most important when choosing a system. If the bars of the system you choose are rated too high for your setup, they will create a rigid ride, which can result in a bouncing trailer. If, on the other hand, the bars are not rated high enough, the system will be unable to properly distribute the weight, rendering it virtually useless.

When choosing a WD this is the formula that we use:

Tongue Weight (for weight distribution) = loaded trailer tongue weight + vehicle cargo load behind rear axle

The Pro Series Weight Distribution System # PS49901 is rated up to 550lbs TW, with your hitch weight being around 474 it may not be rated high enough. .

The Pro Series Weight Distribution System # PS49582 has a TW rated up to 750lbs. That is my recommendation for a system with a reasonable TW that will distribute the weight of your load evenly. I have attached a help article that will give more details on how to correctly choose a system.

expert reply by: Timothy G