Weight Distribution/Sway Control System Recommendations for Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2304KS
Question:
I just purchased a 2017 Forest River Rockwood Minilite 2304KS. I am a travel trailer newbie and need help in choosing a weight distribution system. The trailer has a dry weight of 4249 lbs, a payload capacity of 1423 lbs, a hitch weight of 572lbs. The trailer brakes are electric drum. I will be towing with a Ford 250 diesel. Thank you!
asked by: Jim B
Helpful Expert Reply:
Assuming that the 572 lb figure is the tongue weight of the dry trailer, your tongue weight could potentially range from around 600-900 lbs. Your best bet would be to load the trailer up as you'd typically have it when you're towing it and find its tongue weight. I'll link to an article that shows a couple of ways of doing this, but a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044. This would be an easy way to find your tongue weight. I'll link to a video showing how the scale works.
I'd have two problems with the Reese # RP66022 system you'd looked at. The system is rated at what would likely be around 400 or so lbs higher that what your actual as-towed tongue weight would be, so you'd have a rough ride. The second issue is that the system offers no sway control component. This wouldn't be terribly important if you were towing a flatbed utility trailer, but a travel trailer with tall sides is really susceptible to trailer sway caused by crosswinds and passing or oncoming traffic. If you've never towed a trailer that was swaying badly, I hope you never do because it can be a scary situation.
I'd recommend a weight distribution system that offers integrated sway control like the Fastway e2. If the trailer tongue weight is below 800 lbs, I'd recommend # FA94-00-0800 which is effective on trailers with tongue weights from 400-800 lbs. The trailer ball is available separately. For a 2 inch ball, use # A-90 or
# 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.
If the tongue weight is over 800 lbs, I'd recommend # FA94-00-1061 which is good for 600-1000 lbs of trailer tongue weight. The 2-5/16 inch hitch ball is included.
I've linked to a product video for the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution/Sway Control.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 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
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 10K GTW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Weight Distribution System - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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