Should Trailer Sit Level Once Weight Distribution Spring Bars are Attached

Updated 08/16/2021 | Published 08/14/2021

Question:

I bought a used trailer with a factory-stalled weight distribution system that looks similar to this pictures below, but it was originally set up on a vehicle with lower clearance Subaru Outback. We tried just transferring the hitch to our Highlander. The tongue was high on the trailer and the prodigy brakes were jerky/locked up. We reversed the orientation of the hitch L-down, instead of L-up, which got it MUCH closer to level, but were not sure that that is safe/appropriate the prodigy brake controller seems much smoother, though. Also, the hitch ball isnt perpendicular - it tilts toward the trailer. When you put the sway bars on, it feels like the trailer lifts up a bit, and the ball moves more perpendicular, but there is a metal stop that keeps the part with the ball from seating right on the L-section. So, questions: is the trailer safe as currently set-up? Am I supposed to try for level in the trailer-to-tow vehicle connection? I think the ball is about 1/2inch too high it is dead level once the sway bars are in position do I need a a new hitch with a larger , or a whole new system?

asked by: Lynn R

Expert Reply:

You do need to get your trailer to sit as level as possible when towing if yours is now totally level with the spring bars connected you are fine in that regard and ready to tow. I would recommend making sure you have the spring bar tension set for your towing setup as the previous vehicle may have required more or less spring bar tension.

The only way to do that would be to track down instructions for the system and follow their setup procedure as not all systems are the same.

expert reply by: Jameson C