Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch for 4500 lb Enclosed Car Trailer
Question:
I have a haulmark enclosed trailer that empty weighs 4,500 lbs. I am not sure what my tongue weight will be but will generally be hauling a car that is below 5k in weight. The frame is 8 inches tall. I see that cuts out a lot of the sway control systems out there. Which would you recommend for me? Thanks
asked by: BRYAN B
Expert Reply:
Your first step will be to determine the trailer's tongue weight as it is when it's loaded up and ready to tow. I'll link you to an article that explains a few ways of doing this, but a wireless tongue weight/payload scale like the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. In order to keep the tongue weight pretty constant, you'll want to be sure to load the car in a consistent manner, so it sits in the same spot in relation to the trailer's axles, so the tongue weight doesn't vary.
Weight distribution systems are rated for a specific range of trailer tongue weights, so you'll want to match the system you choose so it is compatible with the fully loaded/ready to tow trailer tongue weight. The Curt # C17333 system you'd looked at is compatible with trailer tongue weights ranging from around 1000-1500 lbs. For tongue weights ranging from 600-1000 lbs, use # C17332. For sway resistance, I'd use a pair of Curt Friction Sway Controls, part # 17200, one on each side of the trailer tongue. Since either weight distribution system mentioned above uses clamp-on frame brackets, either would work fine with your tall trailer frame.
The Curt systems mentioned above don't include the trailer ball. For a 2 inch ball, use # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- CURT
more information >
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 >
Curt Short-Arm Weight Distribution System with Shank - Trunnion Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 900 lbs
- 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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Short-Arm Weight Distribution System with Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- CURT
more information >
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