Best Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System for a 2019 Forest River Salem 27REI Travel Trailer

Question:

I just bought a used 2019 Forest River Salem 27 REIS and had the dealer install a WDH. I really didnt know what to ask for, so the dealer installed a Fastway E2 round bar with 800 lb tongue weight rating. My trailers dry weight is 7365, so by the time I put anything in it, Im sure Ill be exceeding the recommended tongue weight for the hitch. If I purchase 1000 lb replacement round bars, do you think it would be sufficient if I keep the loaded trailer weight around 8500 lbs? Im very concerned about sway potential.

asked by: Terry J

Expert Reply:

You are definitely doing the right thing in looking to upgrade your weight distribution hitch (WDH) system. Unfortunately this story is all too common where a dealer sells a WDH that really isn't up for the task. You're correct that the system is great for your trailer as-in, but once you start loading it up the system will essentially be useless.

What we need to do is get your system rated high enough to handle the loaded tongue weight of your trailer PLUS any weight you have behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle, keeping in mind that a proper tongue weight for a trailer is 10-15% the loaded weight of the trailer itself.

If the combined weight I mentioned above falls into the 600 lbs - 1,000 lbs range then you can definitely upgrade to the 1,000 lb tongue weight system but getting 2 of the higher rated bars as part # FA94-02-1099. Since it looks like your trailer has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs though, I'll give you one other option in case you end up above that 1,000 lb rating.

Fastway doesn't have a round bar system rated higher than 1,000 lbs so if you need something higher you'll need to use the e2 # FA92-00-1200 which is a WDH rated for 12,000 lbs towing and has a tongue weight range of 800 lbs - 1,200 lbs. This will give you a better performance since your tongue weight will be more in the middle of this range. The trunnion style bars will also give you better ground clearance since they stick directly out from the head instead of dropping down like round bars do.

Attached are review videos of the 1,000 lb round bar as well as the e2 trunnion system for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G