Weight Distribution System for Towing a Snowmobile Trailer with a Minivan to Eliminate Ups and Downs

Published 12/06/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trunnion Style Weight Distribution System with Shank - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(73)

$400.42

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

(2621)

$23.67

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

(3870)

$21.44

Curt Short-Arm Weight Distribution System with Shank - Trunnion Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(35)

$400.70

Question:

Hello, sometimes the need arises to pull my snowmobile trailer with the entire family along. So, I need to use the minivan which can do the job. However, there is a considerable amount of issues in ride quality. The back of the minivan seems to be pushed down and raised up with the bumps on the highway. I was looking at load leveling units here on your site. Although they seem to be designed to work with trailers with a A frame shape. My sled trailer just has a long tongue. Any ideas and help would be very appreciated. I was recommended to your site by another tower.

asked by: Joel

Expert Reply:

We have just what you are looking for. You would need to install a pole tongue adapter, # RP3280, on the long straight tongue on your snowmobile trailer. Before using a weight distribution system be sure to check your vehicle owners manual and trailer hitch to make sure they are compatible with weight distribution.

Once you have the adapter installed, you will be able to select a weigh distribution system that is compatible with your snowmobile trailers tongue weight and gross trailer weight. In this case the tongue weight will most likely be the determining factor. Remember that any weight in your minivan behind the rear axle is also considered tongue weight.

If the maximum tongue weight of your trailer is less than 600 lbs, use the Curt Short-Arm Weight Distribution System, # C17330. If the maximum tongue weight of your trailer is between 600 and 800 lbs, use the Curt Short Arm Weight Distribution System, # C17331. Finally if the maximum tongue weight of your trailer is between 800 and 1000 lbs, use the Curt Short-Arm Weight Distribution System, # C17332.

I recommend the Curt short arm system so that you will have plenty of room on the tongue of the trailer for installation of the pole tongue adapter and weight distribution spring bars. You will also need a properly sized hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank to install in the weight distribution head. For a 2 inch ball use the Curt Ball, # A-90, and for a 2-5/16 inch ball use the Tow Ready Ball # 19286.

I added a link to some common weight distribution questions and answers for you to look over also.