Reese Dual Cam WD Hitch Upgrade Recommendation

Updated 06/07/2013 | Published 06/05/2013

Question:

My trailer dealer included the Reese HP Dual Cam WD hitch in my trailer package. They set up the hitch at delivery with the 800# trunnion bars based on a dry hitch weight of 610#. After loading the trailer and tow vehicle 2012 Avalanche I stopped by the scales and found my loaded tongue weight to be 880# about 14. I was wondering if I should be upgrading to the 1200# trunnion bars since in addition to exceeding the 800# rating I also found that my front axle weight is about 140# less when hitched up with the springs bars engaged and everything pretty level, versus the tow loaded vehicle alone.

asked by: David C

Expert Reply:

For your 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche with a loaded truck and trailer and a tongue weight of 880 pounds as opposed to 610 pounds of the original estimation I would definitely recommend upgrading to the 1,200 pound capacity trunnion bars for your weight distribution system.

The replacement trunnion bars that are rated up to 1,200 pounds are part # RP66009. These trunnion bars are sold individually so you would need to get 2 to replace your current trunnion bars on your weight distribution system that are currently underrated.

When your truck and trailer are connected and the front axle of your truck has approximately 140 pounds less on it, then it sounds like you need to adjust the angle of the weight distribution head. If you have the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, this is easily done by loosening the bolts that hold the serrated washers in place, tilting the head back toward the trailer a bit further and then re-tightening the bolts. Make sure the serrations of the washers align fully with the serrations on head.

I would recommend angling the hitch ball back, away from your Avalanche and closer to the trailer. This will apply more force to the spring bras, which will then distribute more weight to the front axle of your truck. Typically you want to measure the ride height at the front tire and rear tire of your vehicle while it is hooked up to the trailer and the weight distribution system activated and make sure that the ride height measurements are the pretty close between the front and rear.

If you have already made the adjustment to the hitch ball and you are still needing to make adjustments to the ride height and try to even out the measurements between the front and rear ride height it is possible that you can shorten the chain links on your weight distribution system. I have contacted the manufacturer and they state the recommendations is to have no less than 5 links between the trunnion bars and the lift brackets. Currently the Reese weight distribution systems are equipped with 9 chain links to allow for adjustments as needed.

I have included links to the parts listed above and a some helpful articles for your reference.

expert reply by: Rachael H