How to Select Weight Distribution/Sway Control Hitch for Travel Trailer with 1000-lbs Tongue Weight  

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The ideal situation for using a weight distribution hitch is that the towing system's total tongue weight (TW) falls in the middle of the hitch's operating range. Total TW consists of the fully loaded trailer's actual measured TW (measure with scale # e99044) plus the weight of cargo in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle. For the best towing performance this combined figure should fall near the middle of the system's range. Please refer to the article and video for more details.

The 2017 Crossroads Sunset Trail M-291RK has a dry/empty hitch weight of 680-lbs so by the time you fill your tanks and load your supplies you'll probably be in the neighborhood of 975-lbs. To this you need to add the behind-the-axle cargo weight in the tow vehicle. A 100-lb generator or loaded cooler in the back of the vehicle will put you into the correct total TW range for using the excellent Reese Strait-Line # RP66130 which operates effectively from 800-lbs to 1500-lbs total TW. This kit does not include the shank and hitch ball so you can add items such as 2-inch shank # RP54970 and 2-5/16-inch hitch ball # C40030.

You will be better off with a slightly over-rated system than an under-rated one since you can control spring bar tension by adjusting the angle of the head assembly. A system that is rated too low will not be able to give you the leveling and anti-sway force you need.

expert reply by: Adam R

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