Will I Need To Upgrade My 10,000LB Weight Distribution When Moving to a 900LB Tongue Weight Trailer?

Question:

Back in 2016 I purchased a 6,000 lb Sunset Trail travel trailer and a Reese Equalizer hitch with 1,000 lb spring bars. Recently I replaced the travel trailer with a Grand Design Reflection which weighs 8300 lbs and has a tongue weight of 900 lbs. Do I need to upgrade to a heavier grade hitch with 1400 lb spring bars? I had the Grand Design dealer check out the hitch and technicans said no, but I would like a second opinion. What do you think?

asked by: Bill Y

Helpful Expert Reply:

With your new Grand Design Reflection if the 900lbs of tongue weight is the shipping tongue weight you are going to want to upgrade your Reese weight distribution hitch. If you can let me know what model number hitch you have I can let you know the correct parts needed to upgrade your hitch. If your 900lbs is the loaded tongue weight you will be able to use your current hitch without issues.

When trailer manufacturers give a tongue weight this is the shipping tongue weight. Once the dealer fill the propane tanks that is generally 40-60lbs of additional weight on the tongue as well as adding a 50lb battery. You can see this will quickly overload your weight distribution before even putting any of your camping gear inside the trailer.

expert reply by: Bud M