Recommended Weight Distribution System For R-Pod With 315 Lb Tongue Weight
Question:
I have a 2010 Mercedes ML350 with a weight distribution approved receiver rated for 576# Tongue Weight and towing capacity of 7200#. I am going to pull an R-Pod RP-179 that will have loaded a weight of 3,815 # and a tongue weight of 315#. Which is the best system for the job, A Curt C17499, C17500, or a C17501. If the is any other Curt system that will allow backing up and the use of electric surge brake I would appreciate your recommendation. Thanks
asked by: Ross F
Helpful Expert Reply:
When choosing a weight distribution system you wan't to find a system that is rated properly for your loaded tongue weight. You want the loaded tongue weight to fall in the center of the range that the weight distribution system spring bars are rated for. The Curt systems that you have mentioned part # C17499, part # C17500 and part # C17501 are all overrated for your tongue weight if it's 315 lbs loaded. Although the Curt systems are really great options there is not a system rated low enough for your setup.
I recommend to use Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control part # FA92-00-0450 which is surge and electric brake compatible. It allows for backing up and is the best option for your tongue weight. The spring bars are rated for tongue weights between 100-450 lbs. The system's integrated sway control limits side to side movement to keep the trailer on the road especially when a big truck passes or there is a gust of wind. You will need a hitch ball with 1" diameter shank for which I recommend Hitch Ball part # 40038 for a 2" or if you need a 2-5/16" I recommend part # C40007. You will also need a 1-7/8" thin walled socket to install the hitch ball part # EQ70-00-4800. I have attached a video for your reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- CURT
more information >
Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- CURT
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Tools
- Socket
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 4,500 lbs GTW, 450 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 200 lbs
- 300 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 900 lbs
- CURT
more information >
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Ross F.
1/9/2020
Appreciated input from Heather A. She provided me with installation instructions for Curt Units C17500, 17501, and FA92-00-0450 which helped me in my research. Could she please send me the Installation Instructions for Curt Unit C17499 to assist me in completing my research on the possible weight distribution/sway control possibilities for my situation please. Thank you.