Choosing Correct Weight Distribution System for Sun Valley Road Runner 15 Foot Travel Trailer

Updated 03/30/2016 | Published 03/28/2016

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2620)

$24.09

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3870)

$21.41

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 4,000 lbs GTW, 400 lbs TW

(840)

$800.00

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

(215)

$28.63

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

(215)

$29.94

Question:

I am a newbie trying to figure out what sort of weight distribution hitch with sway control I should buy for my small Travel Trailer. I want the WD hitch to be as safe as possible. I am confused on what is all the info I need to to calculate what size WD hitch I should buy. Here is what I have: Tow Vehicle: 2004 Dodge Dakota 2wd 3.7L 6 Cyl. with Tow Package GVWR 5350lb GAWR front 3100lb GAWR rear 3160lb Travel Trailer: 2003 Sun Valley Road Runner M130 15foot x 76 GVWR 2500lb GAWR 2000lb GAW 2025lb TW 190lb stamped on the tongue is the max tongue weight of 700lbs I hope this is enough info to answer my question, if not please let me know.

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

Picking up the correct weight distribution system for your needs isn't as difficult as you might think. The key thing you'll need to know in order to choose the correct system is the trailers tongue weight when it's fully loaded and ready to tow. This should also include the weight of anything carried in the truck bed behind the back axle. I've linked you to an FAQ article that lists a few methods of finding the loaded tongue weight of the trailer.

Weight distribution systems have a range of effective tongue weights. For instance, the Reese Strait-Line weight distribution system you looked over, part # RP66082 is effective on trailers whose tongue weights range from 200-600 lbs. Ideally, you'll want your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer tongue weight to fall as closely as possible to the center of the range of the system you choose. So for the # RP6608, ideally the trailer's tongue weight would be close to 400 lbs, so you'd have lots of wiggle room on the high side and the low side. The system includes a weight distributing shank, but the # A-90 is sold separately. Or, if you need a 2-5/16 inch ball, use # 19286.

If your tongue weight is lower than that, somewhere in the neighborhood of 250-300 lbs, I'd recommend something a bit simpler, like the # EQ37040ET from Equal-I-zer. This system is recommended for trailers with fully loaded tongue weights from 100-400 lbs. This type of system is simpler to set up and use, because it has fewer moving parts and is mechanically less complicated. This system includes the shank, but the 2 inch # EQ91-00-6080 trailer ball or the # EQ91-00-6100 2-5/16 inch ball is sold separately.