Are Spring Bars of Different Lengths Correct on a Reese Weight Distribution System

Updated 03/04/2020 | Published 02/12/2012

Question:

My Reese hitch has spring bars that are different lengths: one is 29inch the other is 31. I have the 31inch on the side with the sway control and it needs to be that long to clear the sway ball mount. It this right or do I need equal length bars? The only numbers I can find on both bars are 550.

asked by: Steve K

Expert Reply:

In my experience I have never seen a Reese weight distribution system of any kind that has two different size spring bars. It sounds to me like your system is an older 550 lb tongue weight system, which could have had shorter spring bars, and somewhere along the line only one of the spring bars was replaced with a newer style, longer, spring bar.

Having two different length spring bars will cause a twisting action on the frame when the weight is applied to the spring bars. The short 2 inch distance is probably not a huge concern, but the weight will be distributed in a fashion that the system is not designed for. I definitely recommend replacing the shorter spring bar with a spring bar the same length as the longer one.

If your trailer tongue weight, including anything you carry behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle exceeds 600 lbs, or you have a different style system than I mentioned let me know the actual tongue weight and system type and I can recommend spring bars that will work for your trailer.

expert reply by: Robert G

Fran

3/3/2020

1200-1400 weight14,000 max need 1-bar

Chris R.

3/4/2020

If you have the Reese Steadi-Flex System, unfortunately the 14K spring bars are not made available as separate replacement parts by the manufacturer. Are you needing a direct replacement or are you trying to upgrade the system to a higher rating?