Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch For 18 Car Trailer W/ Short Tongue

Updated 05/12/2021 | Published 05/10/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(74)

$507.46

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

(2639)

$21.59

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

(4023)

$19.11

Chain Hangers for Curt Weight Distribution Systems - Bolt On

(34)

$47.50

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

(37)

$422.52

Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(644)

$639.19

Question:

I have an 18 foot car hauler with a very short tongue and am looking for the correct weight distribution hitch. The length of the tongue rails from ball to the body of the trailer is about 27 inches. In looking at Curt 17501, it wants the brackets 4 inches from the end of the spring bar. The 17422 is a short arm hitch with bars that are about 28 inches long and bolt on clamps. CAn you make a recomendation for which would fit better?

asked by: Tom S

Expert Reply:

I reached out to my contact at Curt and you will need to use the Curt Short-Arm Weight Distribution System instead of the # C17501 due to the limited clearance due to your trailer having a short tongue.

Now the correct system will be dependent on the total tongue weight of your setup which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. The easiest way to get an accurate tongue weight measurement is with a tongue weight scale like the # e99044 but there are other methods outlined in the included help article.

The # C17422 you were looking at works with total tongue weights between 1000-1500lbs, so if your total tongue weight falls in this range it will work perfectly for you.

If you find your total tongue weight is under 1000lbs then you will need the # C17332 instead as it works with total tongue weights between 800-1000lbs. This hitch does not include a hitch ball so you will need 2" hitch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16" hitch ball # 19286 to match the coupler on your trailer.

With either of these options you will need to use Bolt On Lift Brackets # C17005 mounted as far back on the trailer frame as possible.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.