How to Select Reese Straight-Line Weight Distribution/Sway Control System
Updated 08/24/2016 | Published 08/23/2016
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Question:
I have an old Drawtite hitch with # 81516 spring bars which I believe to be the same as a Reese 66009. I would like to add sway control to this existing hitch making it like a Reese RP66084. Is this doable and what do I need to purchase
asked by: Donald D
Expert Reply:
Older weight distribution systems like your Draw-Tite that uses spring bar 81516 cannot be modified to include dual cam sway control. The weight distribution head you have was made obsolete on 2/10/2011. However we can help you select such a system that will provide both a shift of trailer tongue weight (TW) and also prevent trailer sway.
The key to selecting a WD/SC system is knowing your trailer's actual measured TW when it is fully-loaded, with water and propane tanks filled and all gear and supplies loaded. You also need to add in the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, say a cooler or generator, since this weight also acts like trailer TW. Ideally your total TW will fall right in the middle of the system's operating range. The Reese Strait-Line # RP66084 works over a TW range of 600- to 1200-lbs, so a total TW of 900-lbs would be a perfect match.
All you need to add is the hitch ball, either 2-inch # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch # 19286.
