Recommended Weight Distribution for Sunset Part Sunlite 16BH Travel Trailer
Question:
What weight distribution hitch would you recommend for a Sunlite 16BH being pulled by a Toyota 4Runner. Trailer weighs 2480 empty, with a tongue weight of 210 empty. Trailer frame is 2 inch by 3 inch. Thanks.
asked by: Mike B
Expert Reply:
From my research, I've found that the Sunset Part Sunlite 16BH Travel Trailer has a GVWR of 3500 lbs which would place it's maximum tongue weight at 525 lbs if you had it loaded to the gills with gear.
Since most folks don't pull their travel trailers completely loaded to the max (or completely empty, for that matter) we can infer that the as-towed tongue weight of the travel trailer will fall somewhere in between 300-500 lbs.
The Reese # RP66022 weight distribution system you'd looked at is a fine system, but I have two problems with using that system:
1) The system's weight capacity is way too high for the travel trailer you're towing
2) The system lacks a sway control component
Using a system rated too highly for the loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your travel trailer will cause a very rough ride.
Because travel trailers have tall sides that catch the wind like sails on a boat would, they are very susceptible to trailer sway caused by turbulence or crosswinds.
The best way to choose which system you need is to determine the as-towed tongue weight of your trailer. Load the trailer up as it would be when towing, and determine its tongue weight using one of the methods shown in the article I've linked for you. To that, you'll want to add the weight of anything stowed in the cargo area of the tow vehicle, behind the rear axle.
If you find that the trailer's as-towed tongue weight is less than 450 lbs, use the Fastway e2 system, part # FA92-00-0450. If it's greater than 450 lbs, use # FA92-00-0800. You'll also need a trailer ball. Either Fastway e2 system combines proven weight distribution performance with sway control that's very effective for mild to moderate trailer sway.
For a 2 inch ball, use # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.
I've linked to a demonstration video for the Fastway e2 weight distribution system.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 4,500 lbs GTW, 450 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 200 lbs
- 300 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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