Heavy Duty Weight Distribution System for a 14K Trailer with an I-Beam Frame

Updated 04/18/2013 | Published 04/17/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Weight Distribution - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(62)

$556.73

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs

(2621)

$31.86

Chain Hangers for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Bolt On

(68)

$95.12

Question:

I am considering the Reese RP66131 15K hitch on the RP54977 2 1/2 shank for my 2012 Ford F250 and 14K trailer. However it appear the frame brackets are not designed to attach to an I-beam tongue. My tailer frame/tongue is 8 inch I-beam with the top flange about 4 inches across. Any product suggestion or ideas how to make this work? Also, on the RP66131, are the trunion arms detachable? Can the hitch be used without the arms?

asked by: Linn

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Reese and he said that you will need to use a standard weight distribution kit like the Heavy Duty Trunnion Weight Distribution System # RP66131 that you have referenced, for your I-beam trailer.

To use the Heavy Duty Trunnion Weight Distribution System, # RP66131, you will need to have a steel plate 5 or 6 inches wide welded, by an experienced welder, at 30 inches on center from the center of the hitch ball. Before modifying the trailer frame you will need to check with the trailer manufacturer to see if this will create an unsafe condition, or void your trailer warranty. Once the plates are welded on you would then use the bolt on Weight Distribution Chain Hanger Kit, # RP58305 to attach the weight distribution system to the frame.

The chain hangers # RP58305 have a capacity of up to 1,400 pounds tongue weight.

You can remove the trunnion arms on this system and tow without them if you wanted to. For a 2-1/2 inch shank use # RP54977 that you have mentioned. For a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 63840.