Weight Distribution for a 2018 Jayco Octane SL 272 with 1,000 to 1,500 Pounds Tongue Weight

Question

Question:

Hello - Im interested in this product: Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW Item # RP66074 for my 2018 Jayco Octane SL 272. Will it fit the a-frame of my trailer? If so, will I need to drill holes in my trailers frame to install this device?

asked by: Jason

0

Expert Reply:

I looked up your 2018 Jayco Octane SL 272 (nice trailer) and I noticed a couple of things about it that could affect the fit of a weight distribution system such as # RP66074. First I noticed that on the frame behind the propane tanks it looks like there is a metal structure welded to the bottom of the frame.

With the weight distribution brackets in place on the frame that extra piece on the trailer frame could make contact with the spring bars. The brackets mount 30 inches back along the frame rail measured from the center of the ball cavity on the coupler. Each bracket is about 5-1/2 inches wide. You could measure on your trailer to determine if the brackets will be back too far causing interference between the spring bars and the frame or if the propane tanks will be in the way.

There is a way around those problems though and that would be to use chain hanger brackets # RP58305 instead of the brackets that come with the system. It would require drilling holes into the frame though. The dual-came sway control brackets in this system also require drilling.

The other thing I noticed was the trailer has a bottom mount or underslung coupler. This just means there are special requirements when setting up the system and I have linked our help article on that.

If you want to avoid drilling then another option is to go with an Equal-I-zer system which will have narrower brackets that can be mounted within a range on the frame instead of 1 specific spot. I did a little math and it looks like the tongue weight of your trailer can range from 1,020 pounds empty to 1,522 pounds if loaded to the maximum.

It is possible you may never get as high as 1,522 pounds so if you can keep the tongue weight under 1,400 pounds I recommend # EQ37140ET which is rated for a maximum of 1,400 pounds tongue weight. Its brackets can be placed 27 to 32 inches back from the center of the ball cavity. The sway control is built into this system and you would not have to drill.

There is a Reese Strait-Line system, # RP66130, which is rated for 1,500 pounds tongue weight if you would rather have the dual-cam sway control. This system does not come with a shank though so to add one use # RP54970 or a similar shank if more rise or drop is needed. You would also need a ball with this system, # C40030.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Answer 1

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Answer 9

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