How to Select Correct Weight Distribution Spring Bars to Match Trailer Tongue Weight

Question

Question:

I have an unloaded trailer with tongue weight of 456Lbs according to travel trailer data sheet. I would imagine after loading travel trailer with misc stuff like tools, hoses, grill, pots and pans etc, the tongue weight will be more. Any idea which spring bar set up id need?

asked by: Scott N

0

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution system bars like the Blue Ox Sway Pro # BXW4006 all work well over a range of loaded trailer tongue weight (TW). These particular bars are suited for a trailer with a loaded TW of 550 to 750-lbs. All Blue Ox bars are shown on the linked page.

If you trailer's dry hitch weight is 456-lbs, then by the time you load your gear and supplies and fill your water and/or propane tanks it is quite likely you'll be in the range of 650 to 700-lbs TW. In this case these bars would be just right. If your TW were to be more like 800-lbs then you'd want to use spring bars # BXW4007.

Do note that any cargo that sits behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle will act like trailer TW and it needs to be factored in when you select a system or new spring bars. Let's say your actual loaded trailer TW is 600-bs and you have a 100-lb generator in the back of the truck; this means your total effective TW becomes 700-lbs.

We do offer a scale # e99044 that takes all the guesswork out of the selecting the right WD system. Just load your trailer with your usual mix of cargo items and measure. The ideal situation is that your actual fully-loaded TW will fall somewhere in the middle of the system's range.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Answer 1

Based on the weight of the 2022 Grand Design Imagine XLS 23BHE I was able to find online the Curt TruTrack weight distribution system part #C69JR would be a great option. With that said it seems to weigh more than what your truck is rated for so…

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Answer 2

Generally speaking, it is not advisable to reverse a trailer when using a weight distribution system. The system won't blow up but if you reverse at too sharp an angle then you can damage the head so you have to do so in a pretty straight…

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Answer 3

When it comes to weight distribution, tongue weight is the most important factor. It looks like you are ahead of the game and accounted for that with each of these systems, great job. I would still recommend finding your actual tongue weight once…

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Answer 4

The hitch ball angle adjustment on weight distribution systems is designed to provide more or less distribution of the tongue weight on your trailer hitch to the trailer and vehicle axles. If you adjust the ball angle farther away from the towing…

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Answer 5

The Fastway e2 weight distribution (WD) 8,000 lb and 10,000 lb systems do use the same head units so you can easily use the 1,000 lb Trunnion Bars #FA92-01-1099 or 2 of the Rounds Bar #FA94-02-1099 with your current setup depending on which you have.…

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Answer 6

Actually, the Fastway e2 #FA92-00-1000 weight distribution system you'd looked at would be perfect for the travel trailer you described. It's compatible with trailers with tongue weights from 600-1000 lbs. Since your dry tongue weight is 500…

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Answer 7

You should add one spacer washer at a time with the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System #FA92-00-1000 as there is not a specific formula regarding one washer equaling a certain measurement. The reason for this is that there are too many variables…

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Answer 8

Any idea what the loaded tongue weight would be? Between 400 and 600 lbs maybe? We have the part #BXW4005 for a tongue weight range between 350-550 lbs or we have the part #BXW4006 which is for between 550-750 lbs. You need to also consider the…

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Answer 9

If you use a weight distribution system that is rated way higher like what you mentioned you'll end up with a very harsh ride quality. Best option would be two swap out the spring bars for lighter rated ones like with the part #BXW4006 which is…

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Answer 10

I do have an option for you but spring bars are not interchangeable across brands. The only option we can offer is a new system. I recommend the Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System part #C17500 which is a complete system with pre-torqued hitch…

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Answer 11

In order to make 90 degree turns and have a little clearance left over to account for uneven ground the distance from the back of the cab to the center of the ball or hitch jaws, including any travel from a slider, needs to be at least 4 inches…

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Answer 12

The Blue Ox WD system part #BXW1500 is most likely going to have too high of a tongue weight range for the weight of your trailer that you mentioned. The part #BLU75FR would most likely have a better tongue weight range at 800-1,200 lbs. If you use a…

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