Can Higher Capacity Spring Bars be Used in Place of Original Bars on Reese Strait-Line System

Updated 09/06/2016 | Published 09/03/2016

Question:

I currently have a RP66074 weight distribution hitch. I am looking to buy a 36foot trailer with an empty weight of 7809 lbs, a tongue weight of 870 lbs, and GVWR of 9670. Based on my calculations, if the trailer was maxed out to the 9670 GVWR, Ill be pushing close to the max for the RP66074. Although I dont anticipate ever maxing out the load of the trailer, should I upgrade to a heavier duty system, such as the RP66130? In doing so, would I need to buy a whole system, or could I simply order the RP58369 replacement trunnions and use them instead of my existing 1200 lb TW trunnions?

asked by: Alex

Expert Reply:

Looking at the weights you have provided the dry tongue weight of 870 pounds is 11 percent of the empty gross trailer weight of 7,809 pounds. So if loaded to 9,670 pounds then 11 percent of that would be 1,064 pounds which is still well within the capacity of system # RP66074 (600 to 1,200 pounds).

However, when calculating tongue weight for weight distribution you also have to add in the weight of anything carried behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. So it is possible that if you had the trailer loaded and had some things in cargo area of the tow vehicle you could exceed the 1,200 pound capacity of the system.

It would not hurt to upgrade the spring bars and provide a little more wiggle room for safety. You will not have to replace the whole system. You will just need 2 of bar # RP58369 which is rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds tongue weight.

expert reply by: Michael H