Replacement Weight Distribution Head for 18 Year-Old Reese Trunnion Spring Bars
Question:
Hi, I have what I think is an old Reese Weight distribution hitch. 18 yrs old not used much. Spring bars say 1000 lb on the trunnion, no model # . My ball head is cracked. My question is will my existing spring bar/trunnions fit into your Reese RP58167 ball head ? I noticed in the picture it does not have that little lever you lift up to install the trunnion head Is this no longer required ? Please help I am supposed to go away in 2 weeks Thanks.
asked by: Anthony P
Expert Reply:
The weight distribution heads and the trunnions on the spring bars have gone through several evolutionary changes over the years, so the # RP58167 almost certainly wouldn't be compatible with spring bars that are 18 years old. However, I can get try to get some confirmation or attempt to find something compatible if you could provide the part numbers from your existing spring bars.
If you can't find any numbers on your bars, honestly your best course of action would be to go with a new set-up. To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the SUV or truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.
For instance if your TTW is 900 lbs, a system rated for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 600 to 1200 lbs would be perfect. If you don't need sway control, a simple trunnion system like part # RP66542 would be a good choice. For a moderate amount of trailer sway, a Reese SC system like # RP66560 would work well. For moderate to severe sway, the Reese Strait-Line system like part # RP66084 which literally forces the trailer to stay directly in line behind the tow vehicle would be the way to go. I based these recommendations on the capacity of the spring bars you currently have. If your TTW is above 1200 or below 600 lbs, let me know and I can make a different recommendation.
The three systems I mentioned above include the weight distributing shank, but the # A-90 2 inch or # 19286 2-5/16 inch trailer ball is sold separately.
![Mike L](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/166_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 12K GTW, 1.2K 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
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Replacement Head for Reese Weight Distribution System - Trunnion Bar
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Head
- Trunnion Bar
- Reese
more information >
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