Can Reese Weight Distribution System Be Used On Pop-Up Camper With C-Channel Trailer Frame  

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Expert Reply:

Based on the weight of your 2004 Toyota Sienna at approximately 5,700 lbs, and the weight of your 2004 StarCraft 2406 pop-up camper at about 1,800 lbs it may not be necessary to use a weight distribution system. Typically a weight distribution system is not needed unless the trailer weighs over 50 percent of the towing vehicle weight.

You will want to check with the trailer manufacturer to see if a weight distribution system can be used with your camper.

If the reason you are wanting to consider a weight distribution system is due to sway, then you might want to try arranging the way you load the trailer to put a little more weight on tongue of the trailer.

If that does not work we do offer sway control like the Reese Friction Sway Control, part # 83660. As soon as the trailer starts to sway the unit creates the resistance needed to stop the side to side movement. This will attach on either side of the trailer. It is recommended that the sway-control is removed before backing up the trailer.

The sway control bracket needed for this unit on a 2 inch receiver is part # RP26003. For 1-1/4 inch receivers the sway control bracket you will need is part # RP26005.

I would love to sell you a weight distribution system, but I do not want to see you buy something that is not needed.

If you wish to use weight distribution on your setup there are two things you need to know before choosing a WD system. You need to know the tongue weight which is the tongue weight of your fully-loaded ready-to-tow trailer added to the weight of any cargo placed behind the rear axle of your towing vehicle. You also need to know the gross trailer weight of your trailer.

With your C-channel trailer frame, your best bet would be to have a plate welded on the trailer frame so that you have a solid place to mount the clamp-on hangers. The system you mentioned, part # 66557 is designed for trailers with a gross towing weight maximum of 4,000 lbs and a tongue weight between 250 and 400 lbs. The clamp-on brackets are designed to fit trailer frames up to 6 inches. The hangers need to be mounted about 25 to 32 inches back from the hitch ball.

I have attached a helpful article about weight distribution you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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