Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendation for a 30 Foot, 6,500 Pound Trailer
Question:
have a reese sc which worked great with a 4500lb trailer. upgraded to 30 ft 6500lb unit. bought the 800lb bars from you but have a sway problem. Hitch is set right. What would be the best hitch? Towing with silverado 2500hd.
asked by: Randy
Expert Reply:
When you upgraded the bars, you may have noticed some where on the system depending on how old it is. Replacing some of the other parts may be necessary if you notice some wear. I have included a link to the replacement parts for you to view.
If you wanted to go with a new system, I recommend going with a Reese Strait-Line system like the one you have referenced. A Trailer tongue weight is normally 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. That would put the tongue weight of a 6,500 pound trailer at 650 to 975 pounds.
You also have to add to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle to get the total tongue weight. Based on all of this information, I recommend a system that is rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight like # RP66074 that you have referenced.
This system does not come with a shank, but you could use the one you currently have. I do recommend getting all new parts so there are no surprises. The system that comes with the shank is # RP66084. For a 2 inch diameter ball use # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch use # 19286. I have included a link to the installation details for you.
This system comes with built-in dual-cam sway control that proactively and aggressively resist the start of sway by forcing the vehicle and trailer to ride in straight line. You can also help to reduce sway by loading the trailer properly. Make sure to be in the 10 to 15 percent range of the gross trailer weight. Place heavier items on the bottom and center the load properly left to right.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12K GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Shop: Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12K GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Shop: Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Search Results: rp66084
- Search Results: 54970
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Shank for 2-1/2" Hitch - 9" Long - 9 Hole Adjustment
- Shop: Curt Weight Distribution Shank for 2.5" Hitches - 9-1/4" or 10" Drop - 13" Rise
- Shop: Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW
- Article: Best Hitches for Travel Trailers (2022) - For a Smooth, Sway-Free Ride
- Video: Review of Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch - WD With Sway Control - EQ64FR
- Video: Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System Review RP66082
- Q&A: Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a Trailer with 700 lbs Tongue Weight
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Search Results: curt 17601
- Search Results: sway control
- Search Results: sway control only
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
on Weight Distribution Hitch
