Weight Distribution Hitch Recommendation for 5,800 lb Trailer

Question:

I have a 18 ft car trailer 2000 lb empty with a 7000 gvw, I will be trailering a car that weighs 3800 lbs. for a total of 5800 lbs. What weight distributing hitch do you recommend? Also the trailer has a 5x2foot tube frame so I would like to use a clamp on type hitch. Thanks

asked by: Dave N

Expert Reply:

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

The loaded tongue weight for a trailer that weighs 5,800 lbs is most likely going to be between 600 and 900 lbs so the Reese Straitline part # RP66542 would be your best choice as it has a tongue weight range of 600 to 1,200 lbs. You'll need to have a square piece of angle iron welded to the side of the tube frame most likely as well, but before you do that you'll want to contact the manufacturer of the trailer and ask them if weight distribution is recommended or not.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Jameson C