Reese Dual Cam WD Hitch Upgrade Recommendation
Question:
My trailer dealer included the Reese HP Dual Cam WD hitch in my trailer package. They set up the hitch at delivery with the 800# trunnion bars based on a dry hitch weight of 610#. After loading the trailer and tow vehicle 2012 Avalanche I stopped by the scales and found my loaded tongue weight to be 880# about 14. I was wondering if I should be upgrading to the 1200# trunnion bars since in addition to exceeding the 800# rating I also found that my front axle weight is about 140# less when hitched up with the springs bars engaged and everything pretty level, versus the tow loaded vehicle alone.
asked by: David C
Expert Reply:
For your 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche with a loaded truck and trailer and a tongue weight of 880 pounds as opposed to 610 pounds of the original estimation I would definitely recommend upgrading to the 1,200 pound capacity trunnion bars for your weight distribution system.
The replacement trunnion bars that are rated up to 1,200 pounds are part # RP66009. These trunnion bars are sold individually so you would need to get 2 to replace your current trunnion bars on your weight distribution system that are currently underrated.
When your truck and trailer are connected and the front axle of your truck has approximately 140 pounds less on it, then it sounds like you need to adjust the angle of the weight distribution head. If you have the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, this is easily done by loosening the bolts that hold the serrated washers in place, tilting the head back toward the trailer a bit further and then re-tightening the bolts. Make sure the serrations of the washers align fully with the serrations on head.
I would recommend angling the hitch ball back, away from your Avalanche and closer to the trailer. This will apply more force to the spring bras, which will then distribute more weight to the front axle of your truck. Typically you want to measure the ride height at the front tire and rear tire of your vehicle while it is hooked up to the trailer and the weight distribution system activated and make sure that the ride height measurements are the pretty close between the front and rear.
If you have already made the adjustment to the hitch ball and you are still needing to make adjustments to the ride height and try to even out the measurements between the front and rear ride height it is possible that you can shorten the chain links on your weight distribution system. I have contacted the manufacturer and they state the recommendations is to have no less than 5 links between the trunnion bars and the lift brackets. Currently the Reese weight distribution systems are equipped with 9 chain links to allow for adjustments as needed.
I have included links to the parts listed above and a some helpful articles for your reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar for Reese Weight Distribution System - 1,200 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Spring Bars
- 1200 lbs TW
- Trunnion Bar
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Shop: Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar for Reese Weight Distribution System - 800 lbs TW
- Shop: Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar for Reese Weight Distribution System - 1,200 lbs TW
- Shop: Replacement Heavy Duty Snap-Up Bracket for Reese Weight Distribution Systems
- Video: Review of Reese Replacement Weight Distribution Trunnion Spring Bar - RP66009
- Video: Reese Weight Distribution 58392 Review
- Q&A: Will the New Reese Trunnion Spring Bars Work with the Original Dual-Cam Sway Control
- Q&A: Can Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution Hitch Upgrade From 800 lbs Bars to 1,200 lb Bars
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Upgrade to Dual-Cam Sway Control on a Weight Distribution System
- Q&A: Are Replacement Spring Bars for a Draw-Tite Weight Distribution System 06623-099 Available
- Q&A: Why is There No 1,000 Pound Rated Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System
- Q&A: Is Noise and Slightly Bent Trunnion Bars Safe for a Weight Distribution System
- Q&A: Replacement Spring Bar Recommendation for Reese Strait Line System Towing 6,000 lb Trailer
- Shop: Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Shop: Ultra-Fab Skid Wheels for Low-Profile RVs up to 30' Long - 4" Diameter - Qty 2
- Shop: Replacement Hardware Kit for Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - 15,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Video: B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System Review
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Video: Review of Reese Weight Distribution - WD Only - RE44FR
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Search Results: hitch
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Video: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System Manufacturer Demo
- Search Results: brake controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller