Weight Distribution with Sway Control, For a Boat Trailer with Surge Brakes and a Pole Tongue

Question:

I have a Mercedes Sprinter Van based Motorhome that weighs 9,000. I am towing a keel sailboat that with a trailer weighs 5,000 to 6,000 depending on boat load. I have surge brakes with a pole tongue. I want weight distribution and sway control which system would you recommend? System ground clearance is also a priority. Which system works best with the pole adaptor? Van is 24foot long with lots of overhang. Boat is 26foot long.

asked by: Gary C

Helpful Expert Reply:

For a boat trailer you would need to use a pole tongue adapter like # RP58393 and a Reese Steadi-Flex weight distribution system. Based on a potential gross trailer weight of 6,000 pounds, your trailer tongue weight is probably around 600 pounds if not less since boat trailers often have lower tongue weights than other trailers. But you also have to add the weight of any cargo loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the trailer tongue weight when choosing weight distribution.

I recommend a system rated for 500 to 1000 pounds tongue weight. That would put the probable 600 pound tongue weight right in the middle of the range. Reese Steadi-Flex system # RP66559 comes with everything you will except a ball. For a 2 inch ball use # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 19286.

This system uses trunnion style bars. These types of systems have better ground clearance than round bar or chain hanging systems. But with a pole tongue adapter you cannot use a chain hanger system anyway. I have included some links that should be helpful to you.

expert reply by: Michael H