Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendation for a Boat Trailer With Surge Brakes

Expert Reply:

On a boat trailer, you will need to use a pole tongue adapter, # RP58393, to mount the sway control and weight distribution brackets. Since a lot of boat trailers are aluminum, not all of them can be used with weight distribution and sway control. You will need to contact the trailer manufacturer to determine if your trailer can be fitted with weight distribution and sway control.

If it can, then using the pole tongue adapter requires a certain weight distribution system, a Reese SC system. You cannot use the sway control bar that came with # PS49901 with surge brakes. There are different SC systems available depending on the tongue weight of the boat trailer when loaded and ready to tow. Boat trailers usually have a lower tongue weight than regular trailers, so a 200 to 600 pound system, # RP66151, may work.

If the tongue weight is between 400 and 800 pounds, use # RP66153. If the tongue weight is 600 to 1,200 pounds, use # RP66155. And if the tongue weight is between 800 and 1,500 pounds use # RP66157.

For any of the first 3 systems listed, for a 2 inch ball use # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 19286. For the last system you can use A-90 for a 2 inch or # C40041 for a 2-5/16 inch. All 4 systems come with a shank. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you.

When backing up, you will want to disconnect the spring bars. This type of sway control is the only one that will work with surge brakes. I have included a link to an FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control for you.

expert reply by: Michael H