Weight Distribution Recommendation for an Open Range Roamer Trailer with 1,290 Pounds Tongue Weight

Question:

I am buying a hitch for an Open Range Roamer RT316RLS with a hitch weight of 1290#, GVWR 9990#, UVW 7760#, axle weight 6470#. Will the 66130 rated for hitch weight of 1500# be OK? Should I get the next size up that is rated at 1700#? The tow vehicle is an F250 diesel. Thanks!

asked by: Bill H

Helpful Expert Reply:

When choosing a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight which is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the truck.

If that total is 1,290 pounds like you have indicated then going with Reese Strait-Line system, # RP66130, rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds tongue weight would be the system I recommend. You would need to add a shank, # RP54970, or a similar Reese shank rated for 1,500 pounds tongue weight with the rise/drop you need, as well as a ball, # 63840.

But if you total up the tongue weight and are very close to 1,500 pounds or over then you would want to go with a higher capacity system. However, the higher capacity 1,700 pound system requires a 2-1/2 inch trailer hitch receiver. If you do not have one I would be happy to recommend one if you can tell me the year of your F-250.

I have included a link to our FAQ on calculating tongue weight and a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control.

expert reply by: Michael H