Reese Strait-Line Trunnion Bar Upgrade for Larger Trailer

Updated 05/12/2020 | Published 05/07/2020

Question:

Hi! My family and I have been towing campers my whole life, so when we got our new camper, we switched our Reese straitline system from one camper to the next. This last trip I took the new camper out and set everything up as I normally would, all the sag was out of the trailer and truck and everything seemed perfect, however the ride was less than perfect. Not much sway but definitely a lot of bounce. When we got home, my dad and I both realized when we got a bigger trailer we didn’t get new bars so our old ones were only rated for 800# and the new trailer was a tongue weight of 1000# loaded, we weighed it that day. We purchased these 1200# spring bars and I haven’t taken them out to try the ride however I was wondering if I should expect a smoother ride and if there is anything I’ll have to change on my set up to ensure they work properly? Like which chain link to use. All in all, ive never really understood HOW the weight ratings on the bar work and how they effect towing.

asked by: Kyle S

Expert Reply:

Changing the bars to a weight rating that will wok like the 1200 lb bars # RP66009 you referenced will make a huge difference in the ride quality. WIth a loaded trailer tongue weight of 1,000 lbs you just want to make sure you don't have any more than 200 lbs behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle or you would want the larger bars # RP58369 rated for 800-1500 lbs.

The dual cam adjustment with the chains is a micro adjustment that will let you adjust for comfort. The instructions of the complete system # RP66084 walk you through the process of finding the correct link for the tilt of the head. I've attached them as well as linked an article to assist.

I personally think you have the best WD system on the market for comfortable ride and sway control, so when set up correctly you will be pleased with the ride comfort as well as the way the trailer tracks behind your tow vehicle.

expert reply by: Jason S