Weight Distribution Recommendation for Tow Hauler with Tongue Weights from 500 to 1,500 Pounds

Updated 05/11/2016 | Published 05/09/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt MV Weight Distribution System - Round Bar - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

(361)

$359.34

2-5/16" Hitch Ball w/ 1" Rise - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Raw - 25K

(512)

$40.65

Question:

My tongue weight without cargo in my toy hauler is about 500 lbs. With our atv loaded it will be about 1500 lbs. How do I choose a weight distribution with this variance in tongue weight? Will the C17057 work for this application?

asked by: Patrick M

Expert Reply:

Since the tongue weight of your trailer will vary from around 500 pounds up to 1,500 pounds I recommend getting one system and an additional set of spring bars so that you can cover that whole range. There isn't a system that covers that whole range with just one set of spring bars.

I recommend starting with Reese Strait-Line system # RP66083 rated for 400 to 800 pounds tongue weight for when the trailer is empty and your tongue weight is around 500 pounds.

Then, when the tongue weight is higher, replace the 800 pound bars with 2 of bar # RP58369 which are rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds. This means that you would need to keep the tongue weight below 1,500 pounds or the system will not be effective. To keep the tongue weight down you can move some weight towards the rear of the trailer.

For a 2-5/16 ball use # C40086. The included shank has a max rise of 7 inches and max drop of 1-1/4 inches. Other shanks are available separately if more rise or drop is needed, see link.

expert reply by: Michael H