Recommended Weight Distribution System and Sway Bar for 3 Horse Trailer

Published 05/14/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(989)

$598.71

Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shank - 2-1/2" Hitches - 6-1/2" Drop/Rise - 1,700 lbs TW

(7)

$1059.95

Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shank - 2-1/2" Hitches - 7" Drop/Rise - 2,400 lbs TW

(4)

$1169.95

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs

(2640)

$29.39

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2-1/2" Hitch - 20K GTW, 2K TW

(546)

$754.96

Curt Short-Arm Weight Distribution System with Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1.5K TW

(74)

$518.98

Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor - Analog - Single Path

(394)

$655.66

Question:

Hello Jason, I just wanted to verify that this is the right part for a 7 inch drop for the hitch you recommended: C17123 The attached photos are the actual trailer. The bottom of the coupler is 14 inches off the ground and the bottom of our receiver is 21 inches off of the ground. Would that work? Regards Also, the tongue weight unloaded (4500) is Tongue weight: 829 (18.42%) The tongue weight loaded is Tongue weight: 1658 (18.42%)

asked by: Adriane M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thanks for all the information and attempt to show me a comparable trailer. I was able to find one online to assist with the visual. For your trailer I recommend the Curt Short-Arm Weight Distribution System with Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1.5K TW # C17422. This is based on the fact you already have the pop up brackets and the weights you mentioned for your trailer. This system already comes with the pre-torqued 2-5/16 inch hitch ball and it comes with the friction sway bar. This bar will help control your trailer sway, but it does need to be disconnected using the quick release pin prior to backing up to prevent damage to the system. The rest of the system is fine to stay in place while you back up.

I recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle # F2701 you asked from to also help with load leveling of your truck. Since you will be adjusting the number of passengers and equipment, the best option is to use adjustable springs for the most comfort and ride height. This system will allow you to add an in bed hitch in case you ever want to tow a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer in the future. It comes with the manual valves which you can place wherever is convenient or you can use a compressor system like # F2097 to help.

expert reply by: Jason S

click to enlarge

Adriane

5/14/2019

Jason S.

5/14/2019

Based on the information and photo you added the Curt system previously mentioned will not be a good fit as you will already exceed the 15K capacity with just the trailer load. My recommendation is the Reese Titan Weight Distribution w/out Shank - Trunnion Bar - 17,000 lbs GTW, 1,700 lbs TW # RP66006. This will only be compatible if you don't load any cargo in your truck bed behind the rear axle. This will require a different shank and a hitch ball as well as any sway control like # 83660. If you were to carry more, then I recommend using the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 20,000 lbs GTW, 2,000 lbs TW # BXW2000 which has the integrated sway control but would require replacing the brackets on your trailer. With either option, I recommend hitch ball # 63840. For a compatible shank, you won't get the drop you are seeking but the closest you can get is the Reese Titan Weight Dist Shank - Trunnion Only - 5-3/4" Drop, 8-1/4" Rise - 1,700 lbs TW # RP54977 unless you spend much more and get the Gen-Y Torsion Shank # 325-GH-1302 or # 325-GH-1102.