Upgrading Reese Trunnion Spring Bars to Accommodate Higher Trailer Tongue Weight

Question:

I have a Reese WD hitch with 750 lb. trunnion bars. I purchased a new trailer with 700 lb. dry hitch weight along with 2 - 30 lb. propane tanks and 1 battery all mounted on the front of the trailer. Will my hitch be effective as is or should I upgrade the bars?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The added weight of the propane tanks and the battery could potentially place the TW of the trailer at 800 lbs or above, which is 50 lbs over the stated capacity. Also keep in mind that the weight of anything stored in the cargo area or truck bed that is behind the rear axle needs to be considered as tongue weight. I would strongly urge you to upgrade the capacity of the spring bars.

Reese does offer replacements, I would recommend part # RP66009 which are sold individually. These spring bars are effective on trailers with tongue weights ranging from 600-1200 lbs. If the dry tongue weight of the trailer, including the battery and propane tanks is 800 lbs, then the fully-loaded ready-to-tow weight is probably significantly higher.

expert reply by: Mike L