Comparing Round Bar and Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution on a 2006 Chevy Tahoe

Expert Reply:

The basic difference is that round bars slide up into the head assembly and are held in place with clips. The clips are supposed to hold the bars in place while you install the chains and the rest of the system. There is really no load on the clips and they are supposed to keep the bars in place while driving. Trunnion bars slide into the head assembly from the side or back and does not use hardware to hold it in place. Trunnion style bars can handle more weight than round bars.

If you want something with trunnion spring arms, I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution Hitch System, # 66074. This WD system will give you between 600 and 1,200 pounds of tongue weight capacity and 12,000 pounds of gross trailer weight. It also offers pro-active sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts. I have included the instructions for this system below. I have also added a couple of WD videos below.

Check the weight of your trailer to make sure this system can handle its weight. Tongue weight capacity is generally 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. Also make sure that your hitch is rated for use with a WD system. If not, we have hitches that are, such as the Valley Trailer Hitch, # V81990. I have included a link to the instructions below.

expert reply by: Michael H