Availability of Replacement Head for Older Draw-Tite Weight Distribution System Made in 1970s

Question

Question:

Whats a good strong W D set up for a 03 alliance model 303 Ultra lite? Pulling with a GMC 2017" 2500 HD SIERRA. I been looking at Curt 17063. I have a curt 2 1/2" shank for the receiver. 17131 Would this be strong enough to pull GTW- DRY 7,000lbs, 8,500lbs loaded?

asked by: Duane

0

Expert Reply:

The head design for the Draw-Tite (and now Reese) weight distribution system has changed over the years, so your existing round spring bars won't be compatible with the current style head (which would be the Reese part # RP58112). The original head to match what you currently have is no longer made.

This means your only option will be to upgrade to an entirely new weight distribution system. If you can tell me the capacity of your existing system, or the loaded weight of your trailer, I will be happy to make a specific recommendation. In the meantime I have attached a couple of great articles below that will walk you through making the best choice based on your particular trailer setup.

expert reply by: Chris R

0

Duane

12/27/2019

Whats a good strong W D set up for a 03 alliance model 303 Ultra lite? Pulling with a GMC 2017" 2500 HD SIERRA. I been looking at Curt 17063. I have a curt 2 1/2" shank for the receiver. 17131 Would this be strong enough to pull GTW- DRY 7,000lbs, 8,500lbs loaded?

Reply

Chris R.

12/27/2019

With a loaded total trailer weight of around 8,500 pounds, you're looking at an estimated loaded tongue weight of 850 to 1,200 pounds (a trailer's tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of its total weight). The Curt MV Weight Distribution System # C17063 that you mentioned features a tongue weight range of 1,000 pounds to 1,500 pounds, which means it actually could potentially be a bit over-rated, however I think for your particular setup will end up working really well. This is because when choosing an appropriately-rated weight distribution system, it's important to consider your total tongue weight - which also includes any added cargo weight stored behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. So if you typically have a loaded truck bed when going on your trips, this added weight should be enough to push your total tongue weight number comfortably within the Curt system's capacity range. Now if you don't think your added cargo will bump your total tongue weight number up enough to get over 1,000 pounds, it might be better to go with a lesser rated system like the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-1200 that features a lower tongue weight capacity range of 800 to 1,200 pounds. This system includes a shank but it can be swapped out for your existing 2-1/2" unit without issue. The potential drawback of an over-rated system is a bit of a rougher ride or stiffer handling during travel. I have attached a couple short video reviews on both of these systems below that you can also check out.

Reply

Answer 1

I spoke to my contact at Reese about the Replacement Head for Reese Weight Distribution System part #RP58112 and they informed me that the misshapen holes are more than likely a result of poor lubrication. The holes in the head for the spring bar…

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Answer 2

The Replacement Head for Reese Weight Distribution System - Round Bar #RP58112 will work with all Reese round bars that insert and twist for installation. I've attached a photo to assist. As long as the top of your round bars look like…

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Answer 3

The Reese round bar part #RP581115 is a standard round bar from Reese. The correct head to use with this system is the part #RP58112.

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Answer 4

The Replacement Head for Reese Weight Distribution System #RP58112 will work as a replacement head for your 1,200 lb round bar system. The S1 or S2 stamped on the side of the head doesn't make a difference.

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Answer 5

Based on what you described we have two options that should be what you need. If you have a trunnion (square bar) setup the head you would need is the part #RP58167. Or if the spring bars are round the part #RP58112 would be what you need.

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Answer 6

The Reese Heavy Duty Round Bar Replacement Head, item #RP58112, will work with your Pro Series weight distribution system if the adjustment washers are 6 sided silver washers with no ridges. If you have rectangle adjustment washers that are black and…

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Answer 7

Instead of replacing the head of your weight distribution system you might just need a shank that offers more drop so you won't have to rely on just the head to get things level. Reese shank #RP3344 offers up to 7-5/8 inches of drop on a trunnion…

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Answer 8

Most likely if you have a round bar WD system you would need the #RP58112 or if a trunnion part #RP58167, but since I don't know how old your system is it would be hard for me to say for certain. The best option I could make would be for you to…

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Answer 9

I spoke with my contact at Reese who said there should not be any play in the head once the bolts are properly torqued down. When installed it is possible that the bolts were not torqued to the right specs according to the installation instructions.…

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Answer 10

To replace the head of your weight distribution system with the Reese Replacement Head for Round Bars part #RP58112 would not be hard at all. Basic tools are the only thing really needed. Basically you will just remove the two grade 8 bolts from the…

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Answer 11

The linked page displays the Reese replacement parts for weight distribution systems. These include heads for both trunnion bar and round bar systems. If your head has holes on the lower portion through which L-shaped bars are inserted then you have…

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Answer 12

I'd highly recommend replacing the spring bars as well as the weight distribution head. The bars are under a tremendous amount of strain, and when they're worn, their weight bearing capabilities could be negatively affected. Reese no longer…

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Availability of Replacement Head for Older Draw-Tite Weight Distribution System Made in 1970s

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