Can Weight Distribution Be Used on an Aluminum Frame V-Nose Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a FeatherLite Vee Nose Enclosed Car Hauler and want to know how the brackets mount to the Boxed Alum trailer Frame. Do I need the Shorter Bars shown on the Model C17332? Thanks for your reply.

asked by: Dan A

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Expert Reply:

In order to see how the brackets install on a CURT weight distribution system, I have included a link to part # 17302. The bracket installation will be the same on the # C17332 system that you have referenced. As far as clearance, I spoke with my contact at CURT and he stated that on the C17332 you will need 28 inches from the center of the ball down each frame rail to allow the brackets that hold the chains to fit.

If you find that your trailer does not have enough open space, there is another option. But first you would need to know the tongue weight of your trailer loaded and ready to tow. Also factor in the weight of anything loaded in the towing vehicle behind the rear axle. You will want a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the tongue weight.

A Reese system, # RP66542, has a wide range of 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight. What you can do is to use the Chain hangers, # RP58305, that bolt to the side of the frame if there is not enough space on the top. As long as the frame is no wider than 2-1/4 inches, these hangers will work.

I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control for you. Since you have an aluminum frame trailer, you will need to consult the trailer manufacturer to determine if weight distribution can be used.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

In order to choose the best weight distribution hitch, you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow…

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Answer 2

The warning for backing up weight distribution systems like the #C17322 that you referenced is because of the friction sway control system that is included. As long as you aren't jackknifing your trailer when you are backing up you should…

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Answer 3

When it comes to using a weight distribution hitch on your aluminum trailer, the main concern isn't only the interaction of the two metals but a lot of occasions the aluminum frame isn't strong enough to be used with a steel weight…

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Answer 4

To create barn doors out of your ramp door, you will need hinges and a latch. I suggest a latch/lock system like the Universal Cam-Door Lock for Enclosed Trailers - 1" Keeper, #383200. This will use a 3/4 inch diameter pipe that you'll have…

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Answer 5

I spoke with my contact at Reese and he informed me that the way you set up your weight distribution system with the Chain Hangers #RP58306 is perfectly fine. He said that every trailer will have slight differences between them and since you are at…

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Answer 6

Thank you for that photo, and we do have a solution here for you that will allow you to use the Curt Short-Arm system you mentioned, though you are right that as it is the arms are too long for your 25-1/2 inches of clearance. So what you will need…

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Answer 7

You do have a very interesting situation. When it comes to aluminum trailers we always defer to the manufacturer whether it is just a utility trailer or an RV trailer like your toy hauler. Aluminum frames can't always withstand the pressure of a…

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Answer 8

On a trailer frame that is 2 inches thick and 5 inches tall, the Reese clamp-on chain hangers, #RP58306, will fit. The brackets fit a frame up to 6-1/2 inches tall and 2-3/4 inches wide. With an aluminum trailer frame, you will need to consult the…

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Answer 9

You'd need to go with a Short Arm Curt weight distribution system like the part #C17330 which has a 600 lb tongue weight max, the #C17331 for if you need an 800 lb max TW rating, or #C17332 for if you need a 1,000 lb tongue weight max system. The…

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Answer 10

There is not an easy bolt on option for your short pole tongue into A-frame or V-nose trailer. You will need to do some frame customization to ensure a proper fit on each trailer. There is not a system we carry that will work without customization of…

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Answer 11

I am glad you mentioned that the tag states you can use weight distribution. With aluminum frame trailers people often have to call and ask if such a trailer can be used with weight distribution. But we can skip that and get to the next step. When…

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Answer 12

Before you purchase a weight distribution you need to make sure the trailer manufacturer recommends using a system on the trailer. A lot of aluminum trailers cannot bear the stress a weight distribution system puts on the frame like steel trailers…

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