Recommended Weight Distribution System and Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Tug Boat Trailer

Updated 09/21/2018 | Published 09/20/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - 12 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(76)

$873.90

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$155.79

Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(623)

$634.95

Replacement Frame Brackets for Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control

(60)

$94.01

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 15,000 lbs

(3870)

$25.11

Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness - 1,600 psi

(83)

$904.45

Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW

(63)

$179.77

Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

(25)

$250.83

Question:

One more follow up. Since I don't need 2 WD systems, I'd like to convert my travel trailer to the Reese system. What would be the part number or numbers for a second set of sway control brackets for the Reese Stedi-flex WD system #RP66561?

asked by: Tim

Helpful Expert Reply:

I did some research and your F-150 with the combination you have is the 11,600 lbs if you have the max towing package. If you do not it drops to 10,600 lbs.

The upgrades you have done to your truck are really nice so I can see why you don't want to change vehicles. What I recommend is keeping your current hitch, upgrading your weight distribution system to the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 14K GTW, 1.4K TW # RP66561 because it will work well for the weight of the trailer as well as the sway control needed for a trailer that length. For the best sway control, I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control # RP66130 along with shank # RP54970. You will also want hitch ball # C40030 with either system.

The surge brakes will work on your trailer with either of these weight distribution systems, but you are correct that an electric over hydraulic system will give you more control and a smoother ride. For an EOH actuator and all the other parts needed for your upgrade, I recommend the HydraStar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness - 1,600 psi # HS381-9067. This kit will work with a Ford factory integrated brake controller or an aftermarket controller like # 90195 which has a special EOH setting.

I've attached some articles and videos to help. Let me know if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jason S

Tim

9/20/2018

I take it that with either of the WD systems you suggested I would also need to get the Reese Pole tongue adapter to work on my boat trailer since it has just a single stem, correct?

Jason S.

9/20/2018

Many of the larger boat trailers don't have the single pole tongue. Since you have a pole tongue you will use the Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems # RP58393 as you stated, but you cannot use the Reese Strait-Line system # RP66130 with that adapter. The reason is you won't be able to use the dual cams because there is nowhere to mount them. For your system, I recommend the Pole Tongue Adapter # RP58393 and the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66561 which is compatible.

Tim

9/20/2018

Jason S.

9/21/2018

Unfortunately Reese does not have separate replacement brackets for their Steadi-Flex Systems, so I can't get you just the brackets you were seeking for the second trailer. An alternative option is the Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control # C17501 which will allow you to use the Replacement Frame Brackets # C17508 and will be compatible with the Reese pole tongue adapter # RP58393. I've attached a video of this system to help.