Comparing Bar Versus Chain Weight Distribution Hitches For a 3,600LB Trailer

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Question:

Hi could you tell me the differences between these two different types of WDH? Chain vs bar? I plan on picking up a travel trailer. The tongue is 428lb and the weight is 3600lbs unloaded. I will be towing with a 2021 honda ridgeline. Thank you

asked by: Bryan H

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Expert Reply:

There are a few differences between a chain or bar weight distribution hitch.

A chain weight distribution hitch like the Reese Weight Distribution System # RP66021 will not have sway control built into the system. It would require you to add either Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control # RP26002 or a Reese Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660. The Friction sway control would have to be removed before maneuvering your trailer in tight conditions otherwise it will cause damage to the bar or mounts. With the chain system you can add additional tension easily by moving to a different chain link which is helpful if you plan on using with multiple trailers.

A bar weight distribution hitch like the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System # FA94-00-0800 will have sway control built into the hitch. The saddle brackets that mount to the trailer provide a solid point for the bars to rest on. The friction between the bar and saddles create the tension to keep the trailer tracking straight and help overcome trailer sway. There are no parts that need removed to maneuver the trailer into position. This will tend to make more noise when turning due to the tension between the bars. To adjust the amount of tension on the bars does require loosening the hitch head bolts and adding shims to increase the head pitch.

For your trailer I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET. This system is rated for trailers with a tongue weight of 200-600lbs and maximum trailer weight of 6,000lbs. This hitch uses trunnion style bars which will provide you better ground clearance and do not have a weak point that is created with the bed of a round bar type hitch. Similar to the Fastway hitch this does use a bar style which includes sway control as well. The Equal-i-zer system is Made In The USA and does include a Limited lifetime warranty.

You will need a 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket # ALL643216 to install the included 2" ball on the hitch head. If your trailer requires a 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # EQ91-00-6100 you will need that as well.

The Sway Bracket Jackets # EQ95-01-5150 can be added if you find that the noise is to loud and you want a quieter ride while you are driving.

expert reply by: Bud M

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Answer 1

I will be happy to help you find the right LED replacement lights for your horse trailer. Based on the information you have provided the amber LED replacement is #MCL76AB. The red version is #MCL76RB. Another option is to use Peterson lights #M353A…

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Answer 2

Our best option for LED lights to replace your Peterson 130 style lights is the Rectangular LED Trailer Clearance Light, #MCL76AB for amber and #MCL76RB for red. These lights measure 5-13/16 inches long, 2 inches wide, 1-3/16 inches deep, and…

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Answer 3

If you are looking for a 215/75R14 spare tire for your 2021 Coleman Lantern 17B, the Kenda Karrier ST215/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14" x 5.5" White Wheel #AM32181 will be a great option. This will have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt…

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Answer 4

The closest replacement to the Peterson PM130 is the red lens #MCL76RB and the yellow lens being #MCL76AB. Both lights will use the existing mounting holes, so you don't have to drill additional holes. You can also get the foam gasket to…

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Answer 5

Thanks for the kind words! Before we get into the best weight distribution solution for your needs you should note that the best way to fight sway is in how you load the trailer. If you can move as much weight to the front of the trailer and make…

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Answer 6

For your R-pod travel trailer, the biggest issue you will face is sway , so I recommend he Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Round Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW #RP66086 which is rated for total tongue weight between 200…

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Answer 7

Between the Curt #C17500 and the Equal-I-Zer system #EQ37100ET I would go with the Equal-I-Zer as they are the originators of this style of weight distribution and have stood the test of time. Some argue this is the best WD system on the market.…

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Answer 8

The Kenda Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire #AM10235 (Load Range D) and the Kenda Karrier ST215/75R14 #AM10229 (Load Range C) that you referenced are simply different tire sizes. The ST215/75R14 tire size is larger in diameter/height by just…

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Answer 9

A weight distribution system's rating isn't directly related to the capacities of the tow vehicle. If you make sure the system is appropriate for the loaded trailer's weight and the loaded trailer is within the capacities of…

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Answer 10

I highly recommend the Reese Strait Line over the Blue Ox. Both systems are about the same degree of difficulty to install, but the Strait Line features the only sway control on the market that works to prevent sway before it starts. One of the…

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Answer 11

Weight distribution hitches are classified by the range of trailer tongue weights their spring bars are rated for. If your current weight distribution hitch like the #RP66022 you'd looked at is rated for up to 12000 lbs, then the bars would…

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Answer 12

For a weight distribution system, there are always exceptions,but in general the systems with only bars and chains do not have sway control. They are adjustable in tension for different weight, but are a little more work. The bar systems whether…

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Comparing Bar Versus Chain Weight Distribution Hitches For a 3,600LB Trailer

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