How to Choose the Right Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution

Updated 03/03/2020 | Published 03/01/2020

Question:

I’ve read ideally with a WD hitch, you recommend falling in the middle of the hitch range. My problem is I’m purchasing a used trailer, and all the specs I look up, say the TW is 625-650. I would really like to stick with the Reese straight line hitch. However, I doubt that TW includes two 30lb tanks on the tongue, and with a up front pass through storage, I can see exceeding the 400-800 hitch. Yet not totally full, might not quite make the 800-1200 hitch. The gross trailer is 4455. As you can see I’m teetering on the line. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Bob

asked by: Bob M

Expert Reply:

You are correct, ideally with weight distribution you want to fall in the middle of the weight range. However, I suggest that you weigh the tongue of the trailer so you can get an accurate measurement because you don't want to get a system that is too small or too big for your trailer. Since it's used, and the specs might not be accurate I recommend using the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. This gives you an accurate measurement, so you won't be guessing.

One big advantage of the Straight line is that it uses the same head and lift brackets for the 4-8 and 8-12 kit. So later down the line, the trunion spring bars can be replaced without replacing the whole system. So, if you need to increase or decrease the bars, you'll be able to easily.

For the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW - # RP66083
Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar - # RP22225

For the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW - # RP66084
Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar - # RP66009

I linked all the parts mentioned, as well as a few review videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Robert C