Are Long or Short Torsion Arms Better for a Weight Distribution System  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

The reason long bars on weight distribution (WD) systems, like the Strait-Line # RP66074, are so popular is because that means the clamps for the trailer frame will sit about 30" away from the coupler. Typically this avoids items that sit on the tongue, like propane tanks.

Short arms are a great substitute for when things like propane tanks get in the way. There really is no advantage or disadvantage of using long or short arms other than the location of other things on the tongue of your trailer.

The main thing to be concerned about when you are looking at a WD system is that it is rated properly. Long arms or short arms, if it isn't rated properly it won't be effective.

Start off by adding the tongue weight (TW) of your loaded trailer along with the weight of any cargo that will be sitting behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. This will give you your total tongue weight (TTW). The goal then is to choose a WD system that has a TW range that your TTW falls in the middle of. The Reese # RP66074 that was referenced has a TW range of 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs. If your TTW falls in this range the only other thing that you need is a hitch ball like part # 19286.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Joe

8/13/2018

Ok im going to be hauling RV for a living need one that’s good for all weigh

Jon G.

8/13/2018

If you are going to be towing a wide variety of trailers then I recommend going with a Blue Ox WD system. All of the Blue Ox WD systems use the same parts aside from the arms so if you end up using a heavier or lighter trailer you can just switch out the bars. For example, the SwayPro # BXW0350 is rated for up to 350 lbs of TW but you can swap out the bars from the following selection based on your application: 350 lbs - 550 lbs - # BXW4005 550 lbs - 750 lbs - # BXW4006 750 lbs - 1,000 lbs - # BXW4007 1,000 lbs - 1,500 lbs - # BXW4008 1,500 lbs - 2,000 lbs - # BXW4014