Selection of Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for Travel Trailer

Question:

Hello, Im looking to maybe buy a WDH w/ sway control and need some advice. Our camper TT will have a tongue weight of ~650lbs with a loaded weight of 6K max. I have a WDH reese rated at 12K and 1200 TW, will this hitch be to stiff/overkill for my setup or can I make it work through setup? If this setup is not suited to my setup please let know what would be a better option. Thanks.

asked by: Eric G

Expert Reply:

The key factor for selection of a suitable weight distribution system is the total effective tongue weight. This figure includes the fully loaded trailer's measured tongue weight (loaded with all gear and supplies exactly as it will be when you head out) plus the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that is located over or behind the rear axle. Trailer dry hitch weight is not enough to select a system.

The linked article describes several ways to take a precise measure of your trailer's loaded tongue weight, including a dedicated scale # e99044. If your measured tongue weight falls in the 900-1000-lb range then the system you have which is rated for 1200-lbs maximum tongue weight would be suitable. (You want a system rated such that your measured tongue weight falls near the middle of its operating range.)

If your current hitch is not rated appropriately for your trailer tongue weight it may be possible for you to swap out the spring bars in your existing system for new ones that will be a better match. We offer both round- and trunnion-type spring bars in various weight ratings, such as # RP22225, which is intended for the Reese dual-cam system.

For reference I have linked you to our main page for weight distribution/sway control systems.

expert reply by: Adam R