Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch for a 7,000 lbs Short V Nose Trailer

Question:

This is a follow-up question to Adam R and your response to him. My trailer looks exactly the same as his picture...only about 15 inches of exposed frame between the center of the ball and the V Nose trailer wall. The side walls cover the side of the frame as shown in his picture. On the other side, the battery box is mounted to the outside of the frame. However, nothing extends below the frame. In other words, the frame mounted bolted chain hanger can be mounted on the frame at the right distance, but it will be behind the wallinch at the front of the V Nose. However, as shown in the picture, the part that covers the side of the frame is an extensioninch and not the full wall. The floor of the trailer is mounted to the top of the frame. No floor parts extend down the sides of the frame and there is nothing mounted below the frame rail. My trailer is a 20foot enclosed car hauler dual 3,500 lb. axles. The gross trailer weight is 7,000 lbs. and the loaded tongue weight is 750 pounds. The trailer weighs 3,220 and I haul at least 3,500 lbs. so I am always close to the 7,000 Gross Weight. Being an enclosed car hauler with a ramp, the trailers frame is low when level. Therefore, I would like to avoid any excessive attachments that go too far below the frame. I was towing with an F-250 and it didnt need weight distribution. However, I have moved to a 1/2 ton pickup with a GVWR of 8,532 lbs. It is rated to tow 11,000 lbs. but the manufacturer calls for WD for towing anything over 5,000 lbs. What is the recommendation? Thank you!

asked by: Richard P

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thanks for the picture! You will need to use the Chain Hangers for Curt Weight Distribution Systems item # C17005 since you can't go over your trailer's frame with the traditional hangers.

For the actual weight distribution system, I recommend the Curt Weight Distribution System with Shank item # C17341. This system has a 600 lbs - 800 lbs tongue weight range which is perfect for your trailer. The trunnion style bars do not hang down below the head as much as the Reese Straight Line System you were looking at. This will help with your ground clearance.

The spring bars are 30-1/2". I recommend measuring back from the coupler to see if you have enough room on your frame and can access that part to install the brackets.

I have linked a review video below.

This system does not include a hitch ball. Depending on your coupler size you will either need a 2" Hitch Ball item # A-90 or a 2-5/16" hitch ball item # C40030.