Choosing Weight Distribution System for Trailer with 400-550 lb Tongue Weight
Question:
My trailer has a tongue weight oF 400-550 lbs. Is there a problem using the 1000 lb bars, or should I use the 600lb bars?
asked by: Tom
Expert Reply:
Using spring bars with a capacity that is much higher than your trailer tongue weight would lead to an excessively rough ride. Because the spring bars would be extremely stiff, the system would not be able to transfer much weight to the front vehicle axle, which is the whole purpose of the system.
When you are determining which system to choose, you want to consider the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer tongue weight plus the weight of anything stowed behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I have linked you to an FAQ article that mentions several methods of definitively determining your trailer tongue weight.
If you find that adding the weight of any gear stowed behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle puts the tongue weight any higher than 500 lbs, I believe you would be best off going with a system with an 800 lb capacity, like the Reese SC system, part # RP66558.
This systems includes a weight distributing shank that allows you to adjust the height of the trailer ball, but the appropriately-sized trailer ball with a 1 inch diameter shank is sold separately. For a 2-5/16 inch ball, use part # 63847 or part # 63845 for a 2 inch ball.
I have linked you to some FAQ articles as well an an install video that features the Fastway Round Bar system.
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 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
- 500 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 TW
- Q&A: Weight Distribution Hitch for 5000-lb Travel Trailer Towed by 2017 Toyota 4Runner
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Shop: Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Search Results: curt
- Shop: 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Search Results: 17499
- Search Results: c17499
- Search Results: fa92~00~0600
- Search Results: curt 17601
- Q&A: Weight Distribution System for Tongue Weight of 415 lbs that Allows Backing Up
- Q&A: Comparing Fastway E2 Trunnion and Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitches
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Shop: Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 7-Hole Shank - 6K GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Shop: Curt MV Weight Distribution System - Round Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Video: Review of Reese Weight Distribution Hitch - 6K WD With Sway Control - RE34FR
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Q&A: Which Blue Ox Weight Weight Distribution System for Lance 1475 Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Video: Curt Weight Distribution - WD With Sway Control - C17499 Review
- Search Results: 2 5/16 ball
- Q&A: What Size Socket is Needed For 2-5/16 Inch Hitch Ball
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Video: Review of Reese Weight Distribution Hitch - WD With Sway Control - RE94FR
on Weight Distribution Hitch
