Recommendation of Weight Distribution and Sway Control System for 4x6 Inch I-Beam Trailer Frame

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Reese and he said that you will need to use a standard weight distribution kit like the Heavy Duty Trunnion Weight Distribution System 1,500 lbs. TW / 15,000 lbs. GTW, item # 66131, for your trailer with 4 inch wide by 6 inch tall I-beam construction. The High Performance SC weight distribution kits, item # 49579, with sway control will not work on frames that wide and the dual cam sway control will not mount to the I-beam and would be too low if the frame was modified to do so. So to get sway control you would have to use a friction sway control like the Reese Friction Sway Control, item # 3400. To use the Heavy Duty Trunnion Weight Distribution System, item # 66131, you will need to have a steel plate 5 or 6 inches wide welded, by an experienced weldor, at 30 inches on center from the center of the hitch ball. Before modifying the trailer frame you will need to check with the trailer manufacturer to see if this will create an unsafe condition, or void your trailer warranty. Once the plate is welded you could then use the bolt on Weight Distribution Chain Hanger Kit, item # 58305 to attach the weight distribution system to the frame. You will also need a Weight distribution shank, item # 63970, and a properly sized hitch ball, item # 63836 with the weight distribution system mentioned. With the bolt on chain hanger you will use the trailer tongue jack to lift the trailer tongue and the vehicle at the same time, to attach the spring bar chains. When the trailer is loaded light the spring bars chains will not have to be attached as high on the hangers. You will need to measure your vehicle, front and rear wheel well, and attach the chains so that the vehicle stays near its factory ride height with each significantly different load you are carrying. You will also need to adjust your brake controller for each load and road conditions.

expert reply by: Bob G