Recommended Weight Distribution System for 10,400 lb GVWR V-Nose Enclosed Cargo Trailer

Question:

I am purchasing a 24 V-Nose enclosed cargo trailer rated at 10,400#. Which weight distribution hitch would you recommend?

asked by: Paul L

Expert Reply:

Assuming that the 10,400 lb figure is the trailer's GVWR, the trailer's tongue weight can potentially be as much as 1500 lbs or as little as 1000 lbs, but it's always a good idea to confirm the trailer's fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. I'll link to an article that shows a couple of other ways to find the trailer's tongue weight.

Given the GVWR, a 1000 lb tongue weight rated Reese Steadi-Flex like the # RP66559 you'd looked at likely wouldn't have enough capacity. If your as-towed tongue weight will remain under 1400 lbs, a higher-rated version of the Steadi-Flex, part # RP66561 could be a good choice if the V-nose of the trailer doesn't interfere with the top of the trailer frame member on the tongue between 25-32 inches rearward of the trailer ball for the frame brackets to mount. If the frame is inaccessible in that area, you'll need to go another route.

If the top of the frame members are blocked by the V-nose at the typical frame bracket mounting point, you can use a chain suspended system like the Reese Strait-Line, part # RP66130 which is compatible with trailers with tongue weights ranging from 800-1500 lbs. Instead of the chain hanging brackets included with the kit, you'd need bolt on brackets which are sold separately as part # RP58305. Rather than using the lift brackets, you'd use the trailer's jack to raise the trailer coupler while it's still hitched, which will also raise the rear of the tow vehicle. You'll raise the jack until the tension is taken out of the spring bars and the bars can be removed by hand.

Either of these systems offer proven weight distribution combined with excellent resistance to trailer sway. Enclosed trailers are pretty susceptible to trailer sway caused by crosswinds, and oncoming or passing vehicle traffic. The large side of the trailer can act like the sail on a boat, making for a white knuckle ride for the person driving the tow vehicle unless a weight distribution system with a sway control component is used. The weight distributing shanks are sold separately, see the provided link.

For either system, you'll need a # 19286 trailer ball. I've linked to some product videos for the weight distribution systems I recommended.