Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2018 Heartland Ultralite Mallard M185 Travel Trailer

Question

Question:

Just bought r.v. Van has new engine, and trans with new stabilizer shocks and new leaf springs in rear with an extra leaf added. Towed r.v. the other day and was all over the road swaying really bad. Its only 18 feet with two and a half foot tongue making it 22plus ft. by 8 feet wide. about 3,900 pounds empty and 4,600 pounds max. loud.Van says 5,000 no problem. New E-Z ball and hitch for 8,500 pounds. Camping World says I need sway and weight control hitch added which would equalize everything. It sounds logical. Will I be able to go in reverse if added?

asked by: Donny

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Expert Reply:

The Pro Series Weight Distribution System # 49570 is likely too big a system for your trailer. If you want this style system, a better option for you is the similar system rated for 550 to 750 lbs total tongue weight # PS49582. Total tongue weight is the loaded tongue weight of the trailer along with any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. These friction sway bar systems are not designed to allow backing up without disconnecting the sway bar, which is easy to do but an additional step.

If you want a system that doesn't require that and will be superior sway control I recommend the Fastway e2 # FA94-00-0800. If you the best sway control we offer, I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # RP66083. This system uses dual cams and rolled spring bars to keep the trailer from sway and yet allows it to be overcome on corners before returning back to anti-sway position. I've attached a video to assist. Neither of these options require any changes to allow backing up your trailer.

I then recommend the hitch ball # A-90 for a 2 inch diameter ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter hitch ball to go with either of these options.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Answer 1

The one important thing to consider when choosing a weight distribution system is actually the tongue weight of your loaded trailer. Typically, your tongue weight will fall between 10-15% of the total loaded weight of your trailer- a good tool to…

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Answer 2

Choosing the right weight distribution system will depend on the total tongue weight of your setup. The total tongue weight will include both the loaded tongue weight of your camper plus any added cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. You…

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Answer 3

We have not had any issues with weight distribution systems bending trailer frames. If your trailer happens to have an aluminum frame that could be an issue though. You would need to check with the trailer manufacturer if the frame is aluminum to see…

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Answer 4

Yes, if you use a weight distribution system that is rated too high for the tongue weight of a trailer the ride quality will be incredibly stiff and harsh. You want to ideally pick a system that has a tongue weight range where your tongue weight…

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Answer 5

For 411 lb of tongue weight the 6k rated Fastway e2 systems are the way to go. They have a tongue weight range of 250-600 lbs which your 411 lb tongue weight falls right in the middle of and that's exactly what you want. The trunnion systems like…

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Answer 6

For your 2012 Nissan Frontier and trailer hitch #87539 you will need a weight distribution system that is rated high enough for the total tongue weight of the trailer. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and…

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Answer 7

When it comes to weight distribution, tongue weight is the most important factor. In this case, it doesn't sound like the spring bars need to be swapped out. Although I don't know the exact model of your camper, the tongue weight is going to…

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Answer 8

Based on your explanation, I think the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control #FA94-00-1000 will be large a system for your application giving you too stiff a ride. The light tongue weight of your trailer will obviously be slightly…

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Answer 9

The Fastway weight distribution system you were referencing, part #FA94-00-0800, requires a minimum 400-lbs tongue weight, and would not work for you but I do have a solution. I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System, part #FA92-00-0450.…

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Answer 10

For your 2018 Nissan Pathfinder I recommend going with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C13309 you mentioned as it has a hidden crosstube meaning the only visible part of the hitch is the actual receiver where the…

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Answer 11

The ideal total tongue weight for a system rated from 400-800 lbs, in the case of the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution part #FA94-00-0800, is around 600-700 lbs. If your tongue weight is within that range, then this system will suit your needs just…

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Answer 12

The width of the Optronics Flexible LED Light Strip #UCL90CB is about 3/8". I have attached a review video where we take this measurement for you to check out. To help remove the 3M adhesive I recommend using some heat like a hair dryer or…

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