Upgrading Weight Distribution System to Prevent Sway with 35-Foot Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a Crossroad Crusier 35 foot Travel trailer which I tow with a 2012 ford f-250 club cab 4 wheel drive short bed. using a reese hitch with 1000lbs round bars and a friction sway control. This trailer tows trouble the smallest car moves it around on the highway. GVW is around 11,000lbs for the trailer. I was think if I go to a Reese 1700 LB strait-line Weight Distribution with Dual-Cam sway control would this trailer tow better. Or is there some time better without losing my shirt.

asked by: Robert G

Expert Reply:

The Reese Strait-Line system offers the advantage of preventing sway in the first place, rather than merely trying to correct it after it occurs. This system works with trailers that use electric or EOH brakes but does not work with surge couplers. The linked article offers specifics on the various systems.

The Reese Straight-Line Trunnion system # RP66074 that you referenced works with tongue weights from 600-1200-lbs. It is important to proper performance that you select a system based on your actual fully-loaded trailer tongue weight, with all gear, supplies and equipment loaded exactly as when you will be on the road. A system rated too high will deliver stiff and erratic performance while one rated too low will not give the weight correction you want. The linked article on tongue weight offers several methods for measuring tongue weight, including the etrailer scale # e99044.

Once you know your fully-loaded actual tongue weight you can use the link provided to review compatible systems.

expert reply by: Adam R