Recommended Weight Distribution That Can be Upgraded When Weight Is Added Later

Question:

I am looking for weight distribution hitch for a 24 foot trailer that has a GVWR of 14,000 lbs. On the scales we currently have it loaded to7800 lbs. My understanding is you want a weight distributing hitch that has the capacity of 10-15 of the trailer weight...in my case 780 to 1170 lbs. I want to plan for future load capacity can I purchase a weight distributing hitch that is closer matched to the max GVWR, the 14,000 lbs. Do you have a weight distributing hitch that has this capability for 7800 lbs now, but can handle close to the 14,000 max capacity? Thank you,

asked by: Jim S

Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you that will work for your trailer. I recommend buying a heavier duty weight distribution system and also purchasing the spring bars that will work with that system but are designed for less weight.

I recommend the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control, part # RP66130. This system is designed for gross towing weight of 15,000 lbs and tongue weight from 800 to 1,500 lbs. This system features sway control which is great when dealing with high winds and large trucks passing by.

The Weight Distribution shank I recommend is part # RP54970. This shank is 12-1/4 inches long and features a 2 inch drop to a 6-1/2 inch rise, and is designed to work well with the strait-Line system. I have attached a link to a product review for this shank you can check out.

I then recommend the Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar, part # RP66009. These spring bars are rated for a tongue weight between 600 and 1,200 lbs, which would work much better while your are towing the weight you said you currently have. When you increase the load you are towing you can simply replace these trunnion bars with the heavier-duty bars. If the bars of the system you choose are rated too high for your setup, they will create a rigid ride, which can result in a bouncing trailer. If, on the other hand, the bars are not rated high enough, the system will be unable to properly distribute the weight.

I have attached a link to a helpful article about weight distribution and sway control you can take a look at.