Solution for Nose of Trailer Sagging With Weight Distribution System Still Installed

Updated 07/17/2017 | Published 07/15/2017

Question:

Hello eTrailer.com, I really need your help. We are new to the RV world and experienced an issue on our first trip regarding the hook up and sag at the hitch and tow vehicle. Our tow vehicle is a 2007 Suburban 1500 4WD GVWR-7400lb, 3.73 axle ratio, 7000lb tow capacity and our trailer is a 2006 KZ Coyote CT-22 Dry 3650lb, Max 6000lb. The trailer came with the Reese Heavy Duty Round Bar Adjustable Weight Distributing Hitch and Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control #26002 500 lbs trunnion bars. Everything seemed to be okay until we loaded it up and headed out on our first road trip. Upon hooking it all up the Suburban had significant sag on the rear end. I have taken lots of pictures on measurements that can be provided upon request. The rear axle went down 3 inches, the front axle went up 1/2 inch. At the hitch connection between the Suburban and trailer fully loaded it measured at the centre of the ball at 20 inches off the ground and unloaded/no trailer attached it measured at the centre of the ball at 25 inches off the ground, an astonishing 5 inch difference. As I mentioned we are new to the RV world and the trailer seemed to drive fine, reverse fine, no sway but then I have nothing to compare it to. I have scoured the internet and called friends for help but I am getting conflicting answers. I have read on-line to 1.take it to a local RV dealer and have them look at the set up, or 2.install extra leaf springs, or 3.install Timbrens or 4.we have the wrong tow vehicle. A friend strongly recommended I contact eTrailer.com as he is always getting Great advice and ordering items from the site, so here I am. I need to know what you suggest or any advice would be helpful. We have our next adventure scheduled only 8 days from today and I want to make sure our family and everyone else on the road is safe during our travels. Thanks in advance,

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

If you have trunnion spring bars only rated for 500 lbs that is the issue. You mentioned the trailer weighing 7,400 lbs which means you are looking at a tongue weight much higher than what your trailer is rated for.

You need to replace your spring bars with the part # RP66009 which have a tongue weight range of 600-1,200 lbs.

You'd need a quantity of two of these bars. Once set up properly these will work well to reduce the sag you are experiencing.

expert reply by: Jameson C