Choosing Correct Curt Weight Distribution System for Trailer with GVWR of 6,243 Pounds

Updated 03/29/2018 | Published 03/28/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Short-Arm Weight Distribution System with Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 10K GTW - 1K TW

(74)

$461.11

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000 lbs

(4043)

$22.50

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

(4043)

$19.15

Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(649)

$596.95

Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(649)

$609.95

Question:

So I sent back curt 17322 and purchased the curt 17500 will that one work or is that one over kill for the weight I am carrying I still have an unloaded trailer weight of 5243 dry and 540 unloaded tongue weight total gross weight 6243 so will the 17500 be ok . I am trying to make it simpler for us to hook up and disconnect.Thank yo

asked by: Patrick D

Expert Reply:

You upgraded your weight distribution from the Curt short-arm system, part # C17322, to the Curt TruTrack, part # C17500, which is much better system but it's still rated too high most likely. It all depends on the loaded trailer's tongue weight. Both of those systems are rated for 800 to 1,000 pounds of tongue weight. So you want the tongue weight of your loaded trailer added to the amount of weight you add behind the rear axle of your two vehicle to be between 800 and 1,000 pounds. If you'll fall in this range then the # C17500 is great.

Since you obviously like the TruTrack style I recommend sticking with it. The sway control is a great upgrade over the other Curt systems. If you do need a lower rated system I recommend going with part # C17499 that's rated from 500 to 800 pounds of tongue weight. It doesn't include a hitch ball so use part # A-90 for a 2 inch ball or part # A-6 for a 2-5/16 inch.

Before you do anything else I recommend finding the tongue weight of your loaded trailer. It's the most important factor in determining which system is right for you. Then add that loaded tongue weight to the amount of weight you're going to have stored in the back of your tow vehicle behind its rear axle. Use that total to choose the correctly rated system. If you use a system that's rated too low it won't perform as you need it to. If it's rated too high then your ride will be extremely rigid and uncomfortable.