Weight Distribution System for 3 Horse Slant Trailer

Question:

Sir, Could you tell me how old this model of hitch reese model 49579 would be and how it would compare to to the fastway e2 hitch in ease of installation and overall reliability?Also how would it compare to the Fastway trunion style e2 hitch in its abilty to hold up to wear since the Fastway system is metal to metal friction where the Reese hitch uses a wear pad?I am looking for a set up to pull a Kiefer Eagle XL 3 horse slant trailer with a 2008 Dodge 2500 6.7 liter diesel from WV to Co. where I will run into some windy conditions crossing Nebraska and Wy. at times and possible snow and ice.My trailers loaded weight is going to be right at the 6500-7000 pound weight with 3 horses,feed and tack but I will also have gear in my truck bed that will increase the tongue weight some.I also have an aluminum diamond plate across the tongue that will need to be notched to mount the tongue brackets. The tongue on this trailer is built out of 4inch high by 3inch wide channel with a piece of 1 inch squre tubing running part way on the outer edge of the 3inch witdh of the angle on the drivers side for brake wiring that the brackets will bolt on.

asked by: Sheridan G

Expert Reply:

The Pro Series weight distribution system you mentioned, part # 49579 was discontinued about 3 or so years ago.

As far as the weight distribution function of the system goes, the older Pro Series and the Fastway systems would operate similarly, assuming both systems being compared have compatible weight ratings. Set-Up and adjustment of the Fastway system would be easier, but the sway control offered by the Pro Series system would be more effective in my opinion. The wear pads on the Pro Series system are replaceable, if need be.

The Pro Series # 49579 was effective on trailers weighing up to 14,000 lbs with tongue weights up to 1,000 lbs.

The best practice when choosing a weight distribution system is to positively identify the tongue weight of the trailer when it is fully loaded and ready to tow. As you mention, the weight of any gear in the truck bed behind the rear axle needs to be considered as tongue weight. I have linked you to an FAQ article that shows a few methods of determining your trailer TW. Once the trailer TW is identified, choose a system whose effective range encompasses your TW figure, or whose max capacity is greater than your TW.

A Fastway system rated up to 1000 lbs tongue weight /10,000 gross trailer weight capacity would be fairly compatible with the Pro Series system you referenced.

Without actually seeing the tubing on the trailer tongue, I could not speak to whether or not it would interfere with the frame bracket for either system.

For top of the line sway control performance, I would recommend the Reese Strait-Line system like # RP66084 (1,200 lb TW/12,000 GTW capacity). The Strait-Line system uses hooked spring bars that ride in cams. This set-up will easily allow turns, but when the vehicle is traveling straight, the trailer is forced to trail in a straight line behind the tow vehicle. The Strait-Line sway control system is slightly more effective in my opinion than friction sway control.

The systems I mentioned include the weight distributing shank, but the trailer ball is sold separately. Reese weight distribution systems require a ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank like # 19286 for a 2-5/16 ball or # A-90 for a 2 inch ball.