Is It Okay To Use the Reese 12K Steadi-Flex On a Trailer Under 12K

Question:

The GVWR of my trailer is 5,780 lbs. What system would be best for me?

asked by: Brandon

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can use a weight distribution system that is overrated for the trailer you intend to use it with. However, the best performance will come from a system that matches the total tongue weight of your towing setup. In order to find the total tongue weight of your towing setup you will need to calculate the loaded ready to tow tongue weight of the trailer plus the weight of any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

The Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System part # RP66560 that you referenced would perform best when used with a towing setup that has a total tongue weigh between 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs. However, if your towing setup did not quit hit the 600 lb mark then you could still use the system it just would not be as effective when towing within the system's range.

The next size down for the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System would be part # RP66559 which is rated for a total tongue weigh between 500 lbs - 1,000 lbs. Please note that neither of these systems come with a hitch ball so I also recommend the 2-5/16" Hitch Ball part # 19286.

expert reply by: Conner L

Brandon

4/9/2019

The GVWR of my trailer is 5,780 lbs. What system would be best for me?

Conner L.

4/9/2019

The absolute best system we have for you based off of the 5,780 lb gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your trailer is the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control part # RP66083. If you are looking for something more cost effective then I recommend the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control part # RP66559 which is actually the same system referenced above. The main difference between the Strait-Line and Steadi-Flex is that the Strait-Line has four point sway control whereas the Steadi-Flex only has two point sway control. Therefore, the Strait-Line will offer better trailer sway prevention/control than the Steadi-Flex. They will both perform equally as well to reduce squat. The other key point to note is that the Strait-Line does require that you drill a few holes in your trailer frame. The 2-5/16" Hitch Ball part # 19286 is still needed for both systems.