Recommended Weight Distribution System for Camper Currently Using 10000lb GTW 1000lb TW System
Question:
My camper trailer is 26 ft. long and on the tongue is stamped 2 5/16 Ball GTW 14000# and Tongue WT 1950# SAE/CSA CLASS 4. What type of stabilizer bar assembly should I be using. Thus far, Ive been using a stabilizer assembly thats GTW 10000 and TW 10000 with a 2 5/16 ball. Is that good enough or should I be using a heavier set up and if so, what do you recommend? Thank you
asked by: DAVID S
Expert Reply:
The information stamped on your trailer tongue is the maximum capacity of the coupler, not the actual tongue weight of the trailer. In order to choose the weight distribution that'll work best for you, 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 make up 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.
You'll also want to consider if trailer sway is an issue. If so, we have systems suited for mild, moderate or fairly severe sway. What type of vehicle are you towing with? A van or smaller SUV will have fairly limited ground clearance, so a trunnion bar system would work much better than a round bar system. If ground clearance isn't an issue, like on a pickup truck or a full size SUV, a round bar system would work fine.
Your current system is rated for a 1000 lb maximum Tongue Weight, so it's likely most effective on tongue weights ranging from 600 to 1000 lbs. If you determine that your TTW is within this range and your camper is towing fine, and sway isn't a problem I'd stay with what you're currently using.
For minimal to moderate sway, a basic trunnion or round bar system with a friction sway control unit like part # 83660 would be a good choice. Trailers longer than 26 feet would usually need two sway units, one on each side of the tongue. For moderate sway, a system like the Steadi-Flex, part # RP66560 would provide better sway control for tongue weights ranging from 600-1200 lbs and for moderate to severe sway, the Reese Strait-Line like part # RP66074 will prevent sway before it can begin. Both these systems would be recommended for trailers with TTW of 600-1200 lbs.
If you'd care to reply with the actual tongue weight of your camper when it's fully loaded, as well as the weight of anything carried in the tow vehicle behind the rear axle, and the year make and model of your tow vehicle I'd be happy to make some specific recommendations.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12K GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 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
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 >
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