Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch For Trailer W/ 440lbs TW, and Trailer W/550lbs TW

Question:

I am researching an appropriate WDH that will work for our current travel trailer 16’ Airstream GVW 3,500 lbs/TW 440 lbs and a new one 19’ Airstream 5,000/550 lbs. The tow vehicle has a 7,000 lbs tow/700 lbs TW capacities, and requires a minimum 10.5” shank length center of hole to center of ball and a 4” ball rise top of receiver to top of ball to a ball height of 17.25”. It appears that one option of the hitches that you carry to accommodate the shank length and ball height is the Curt C17050 although the tongue weight range is slightly heavy 400 - 500 lbs. for the 16’ trailer. The other possibility is the Reese 49911, although it is unclear if the shank length is adequate because I can’t tell if the ball mount adds to the effective shank length or how much. So, my questions are 1 is a 440 lbs tongue weight too light for the Curt WDH? 2 What is the effective total shank length for the Reese WDH center-to-center? Lastly, my goal with the WDH is not sway control but to reduce the modest amount of porpoising when on the highway, and any thoughts on whether a WDH will help are welcome. Thank you!

asked by: Andrew O

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help!

First the Curt MV Weight Distribution Hitch # C17050 you were looking at would be a bit stiff with the 440lb tongue weight you mentioned for your 16' Airstream, but is that figure what Airstream lists as the tongue weight, or what you measured?

I would use a tongue weight scale to measure the tongue weight of both of your trailers when they are fully loaded if you have not already, as the tongue weight figures manufacturers provide are typically the unloaded tongue weight. Using a tongue weight scale like the # e99044 will make checking tongue weight quick and easy, but there are other methods outlined in the included help article.

Regarding the Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w Sway Control # RE34FR the shank it comes with is the # RP69FR which is 9-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the holes for the weight distribution head. With the head installed you will be around 10-3/4" - 11" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole. This shank has up to 9" rise so you should have no problem getting the correct adjustment with it.

Between these two options I would go with the # RE34FR as it works with total tongue weights between 200-600lbs so it will be perfect for both of your trailers with the tongue weights you mentioned.

A weight distribution hitch will reduce the porpoising you are experiencing once it is set up correctly.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.