Weight Distribution System with 4 Inch of Drop to Tow 9,800 Pound Trailer Level

Question:

Looking at hitches - the Truck receiver is 2.5 with a sleeve for 2. With a 2 receiver - with 0 drop - sits at 24 for the Truck . On the bumper pull 8.5 x 20 trailer - it is rated at 9800 GVWR, and a tow height of 20 inches. I can easily find a 2.5 or 2 hitch and 2 and 5/16 ball. However, I am only seeing weight distributing hitches with drops of a maximum of 2. Are there units that would start out with a relatively flat truck to trailer height match?

asked by: James S

Expert Reply:

There are weight distribution systems for 2 inch receivers that have enough drop to tow your trailer level. For example Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System # RP66560 allows for a maximum of 4 inches drop which is exactly what you would need. This system is rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight. Based on a gross trailer weight of 9,800 pounds the trailer tongue weight will be in the neighborhood of 980 to 1,470 pounds. If your actual tongue weight is between 980 and 1,200 pounds then this system is a great option.

But if you are over 1,200 pounds, which is possible because you have to add in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the truck to the tongue weight total, a system with a higher capacity will be needed such as # BXW1506 rated for 1,000 to 1,500 pounds and with a max drop of 7 inches.

You could go with a system that does not come with a shank, such as # RP66006 rated for 1,000 to 1,700 pounds tongue weight, and then choose a 2-1/2 inch shank with enough drop to tow the trailer level such as # RP54977, which has a max drop of 5-3/4 inches.

For any of the above systems you will need a ball, # 63840. I have linked videos of the weight distribution systems I mentioned for you to check out.