Recommended Weight Distribution System for 17 ft Casita Travel Trailer

Question

Question:

I tow a 17foot Casita dry weight 2480, dry hitch weight 365 with a Silverado V-8, 4.3 liter with a 3.23 axle, currently using no WDH. I experience a lot of pitch when crossing dips in the highway as might be encountered at the start and end of a bridge. Will a WDH reduce this motion? I plan to install an RP66558 rated GTW 10,000 and Tongue Weight 200 - 600. This hitch is especially attractive since the bracket assembly positions are somewhat flexible and the anti-sway feature is built in. Does this WDH seem like a reasonable selection for me? Im relatively new to towing and need all the advice I can get. Thanks!

asked by: Walter B

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Expert Reply:

The first step in choosing a weight distribution system is to conclusively determine the tongue weight of your camper once it is fully loaded and ready to tow. This includes full water and propane tanks plus any other gear you would typically travel with. The weight of anything carried in your truck bed behind the rear axle also needs to be considered as tongue weight. I have linked you to an article that describes how to determine your tongue weight.

If by pitch, you mean violent side to side motion of the trailer, then yes, a weight distribution system with integrated sway control like the Reese Steadi-Flex you mentioned would indeed help. This system is designed for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 400-600 lbs. If your tongue weight is below 400 lbs, go with the # 66557. I would still recommend confirming your tongue weight, however.

Both systems I mentioned include the weight distributing shank, but the properly sized trailer ball with 1-1/4 inch diameter shank is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use part # A-90 or part # 19286 for a 2-5/16 ball.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

Since your tongue weight is right at 350 lbs I would recommend going with the Reese SC Weight Distribution Hitch part #RP66540 which would be an excellent choice. This system uses trunnion bars which will give you better ground clearance when…

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Answer 2

A 205/75D14 tire is going to be about 1-1/2 inches wider than a 175/80D14 tire and the overall diameter is about 1 inch larger. The important factors to consider when changing tire sizes to make sure you have enough clearance in your wheel well.…

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Answer 3

The same dynamics for passenger tires are not applicable for trailer's. Therefore, I do not recommend using a smaller tire on your trailer as a spare. The spare tire on a vehicle is mainly designed to get you to the nearest repair station.…

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Answer 4

Generally, I do recommend that all tires on your trailer be the same size at all times, so ideally your spare will match the existing tires on your trailer. With that being said, the difference between a 175/80-13 and a 175/80-13 tire is only 0.3…

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Answer 5

The stock wheels on your Jayco Jay Flight SLX 212QB are 14 inch with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. Your existing ST205/75-14 tire will fit on 5, 5-1/2, 6 or 6-1/2 inch wide wheels so any of the linked wheels would be compatible with your camper…

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Answer 6

The Curt MV Weight Distribution System part #C17050 does not have sway control so reversing is not as big of an issue although the trailer still needs to remain relative straight. If you need to turn and backup it is recommend to unhook the spring…

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Answer 7

Based on the weight range of Casita travel trailers the best weight distribution and sway control we have would be the Reese Strait Line part #RP66082 which has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs and features the best sway control at fighting…

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Answer 8

You are doing it correctly. The only way to get the proper tension on/off the spring bars when using chain hangers #C17005 is to use the trailer jack. This often means that you have to lift up the trailer/truck a good amount before you can attach…

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Answer 9

Yes, the dimension you mentioned is the distance from the center of the ball hole on the coupler back on the frame rails 27-30 inches for the Fastway e2 part #FA92-00-0600.

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Answer 10

The Curt Chain Hangers for the Curt Weight Distribution Systems would be exactly what you need for your A-frame trailer that does not have clearance above the frame rail because of your propane tank and battery support. I can also assure you that…

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Answer 11

I spoke with Curt and spring bars of the WD system #C17150 has an overall length of 30-5/8 inches and the diameter is 1-1/4 inches where it fits into the head. The length is measured from the center of the end that fits in the head to the center…

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Answer 12

I have the perfect option for you to install a weight distribution system on your trailer with limited tounge space. This option consists of the Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems part #RP58393 and a Reese Steadi-Flex Weight…

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