Comparing Fastway e2 and Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System For Safari Condo Alto Trailer

Updated 10/25/2016 | Published 10/24/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 4,500 lbs GTW, 450 lbs TW

(109)

$605.00

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(3800)

$16.14

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1346)

$13.63

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(2600)

$15.37

etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity

(811)

$219.10

2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 8,000 lbs

(210)

$26.12

2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs

(210)

$31.84

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(166)

$625.00

Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 TW

(235)

$700.74

Question:

I am waiting for delivery of a Safari Condo Alto travel trailer, with a loaded tongue weight of 250 lb. I will be towing with a Toyota Venza- 350 TW/3500 towing capacity, and will load no more than 100 lb behind the axle. It seems like either the Fastway 450 or the Steadi-Flex would work well in my situation. Reese says friction pad on the Steadi-Flex is quieter and gives better sway control than steel on steel like the Fastway, but Ive also read that the friction pads crumble or wear out easily. Also, the Reese has tapered trunnion bars, which give a smoother ride according to the description on your site. Your picture of the Fastway shows the spring bar is square non-tapered throughout its length. The installation guide on Fastways site shows that the bars are tapered, like the Reese. Which is the actual representation of the current version of the bar? So, ignoring the difference in hitch weight limit 400 vs. 450 lb., does the friction pad of the 66557 give significantly better and quieter control and how much of a difference does a tapered bar make?

asked by: John D

Expert Reply:

Both of the weight distribution systems you asked about are very nice systems. You will want to choose a system where your fully-loaded-ready-to-tow trailer tongue weight added to the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your towing vehicle is near the middle of the system range. In my research I found that the dry tongue weight of the larger Alto trailer is around 250-lbs. Food, clothing and any other cargo can add up fast so knowing what the total tongue weight is important.

I recommend using a tongue weight scale like part # e99044 to make sure you have an accurate tongue weight when considering a system.

The Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System, part # FA92-00-0600 would be a great fit for your new trailer. This system has a tongue weight range from 250 to 600-lbs and also feature sway control to help keep the trailer straight when in high winds or when passing big trucks.

A hitch ball is not included so the hitch ball I recommend for this system is part # EQ91-00-6080 for a 2-inch ball and part # EQ91-00-6100 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

The Fastway weight distribution system you came from, part # FA92-00-0450, has a 450-lb total tongue weight capacity. It uses a hitch ball with a 1-inch shank. for a 2-inch hitch ball I recommend part # 40038. For a 2-5/16 inch ball I recommend part # 63847. The trunnion bars with this system are square and not tapered, and retain the same size form the head to the end of the bar attached on the trailer frame.

The Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control, part # 66557 is another nice system. The friction pads are made of brake pad material and do help provide a quieter ride as well as providing sway control. We have not had any complaints from our customers about the friction pads wearing out. The # 66557 uses tapered trunnion bars and also features an adjustable shank and no-drill clamp-on brackets that makes it easier to install. Tapered spring bars will flex when traveling over rougher terrain to maintain a more controlled even ride. This system has a tongue weight capacity of 250 to 400-lbs. The hitch ball I recommend for this system is part # 63845 for a 2-inch and part # 63847 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

If you find you have more total tongue weight than originally thought, you may want to check out the Reese Steadi-Flex, part # RP66558 that has the same great features but has a tongue weight capacity between 400 to 600-lbs.

If you are really comparing the Reese versus the Fastway weight distribution system and sway control, the sway control will be similar and you would not notice a tremendous difference. As far as the difference in the spring bars the taper found on the Reese system will probable result in a little better ride because they do flex. Per one of our towing experts they said the Fastway is considered more of an entry level system versus the Reese.