Selecting Weight Distribution Hitch for 25-ft Airstream with 7300-lb GVWR

Updated 12/19/2017 | Published 12/18/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2635)

$24.28

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

(3940)

$20.94

Question:

Hello, We are picking up our 25ft Airstream next month and are trying to decide between the # RP66560 and # # RP66559. Our tongue weight as listed on Airstreams website as 835lb and the trailer base weight is 5,600lb with a max capacity of 7,300lb. We are debating weather the 1000/10k would be fine given the TW can reach the max when fully loading truck and trailer but on the other hand we are afraid that the 1200/12k would be too stiff thought it would leave our TW somewhere in the middle range. I am really am set on getting one of these models, but am open to your professional recommendation. Please advise. Thank you.

asked by: Eddy

Expert Reply:

The ideal circumstance for a weight distribution system is to have the fully-loaded trailer tongue weight (including the weight of any cargo behind the tow vehicle's rear axle) be in the middle of the system's operating range. We offer a handy scale to make tongue weight (TW) measurement easy, part # e99044.

For instance the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66560 has an operating range from 600- to 1200-lbs. This would make it perfect for total TW of 800- to 1000-lbs. Similar system # RP66559 works over a range of 500- to 1000-lbs, making it ideal for a total TW of 700- to 800-lbs.

Since your trailer's dry hitch weight is 835-lbs, before you fill water and propane tanks and before you load your supplies and gear, I suggest the higher-rated system # RP66560. This way you will end up with the loaded trailer TW near the middle of the range.

You will need a hitch ball too since these are not included. For a 2-inch ball use # A-90; for a 2-5/16-inch ball use # 19286.

expert reply by: Adam R