Recommended Weight Distribution System For A 2013 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX 185RB

Published 02/04/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Weight Distribution - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(62)

$671.47

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

(2620)

$24.09

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

(3870)

$21.41

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(840)

$613.68

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$72.79

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$88.64

Question:

Kevin, Thank You for your assistance…very helpful. I am presently using a shank with a larger drop as you suggested. I am experiencing both the bumper skids in the rear and the tongue jack scraping the pavement when traversing a driveway. I can’t always hit the driveway at an angle to minimize or eliminate the scraping. So that is another reason I am considering raising the trailer. Will raising the trailer make it more susceptible to sway? Presently I have very little sway when towing. At this point I am on the fence as to which Reese system I go with-WD only or WD anti sway. Again I appreciate your comments on this.

asked by: Larry M

Helpful Expert Reply:

You can raise the height of the trailer if you have double-eye leaf springs in the underslung position. This is done by using an over-under conversion kit like # K71-384-00 (for 2-3/8" axles) or # K71-385-00 (for 3" axles) to move the leaf springs above the axle, increasing the height by the diameter of the axle. These kits include everything you need, including spring seats, nuts, U-bolts, and tie plates.

This isn't necessary though since you can just use shank with a larger drop to keep your 2013 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX 185RB level while towing.

For the weight distribution hitch I recommend the Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank # RP66020. This high-performance system is designed to offer the best in weight distribution with an easy-to-adjust, forged head; a raised ball platform; and flexible, powder coated steel, trunnion spring bars. You would need to purchase the shank and hitch ball separately. For the hitch ball you can use # A-90 for a 2" ball or # 19286 if you need a 2-5/16" ball.

As for the shank, you'll need to measure to find the correct drop. Start by leveling the trailer out and then measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer's coupler. Then measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the truck. The height difference is the amount of drop you will need (since the truck is taller). I have linked a help article that explains these measurements. It is on regular ball mounts but the process is the same.

I've linked our page of drop shanks below to so you can easily find the correct one once you complete your measurements.

If you experience sway while hauling your trailer then I recommend going with the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37061ET instead. This system uses steel-on-steel friction and sway control brackets to ensure that your trailer stays in line with your tow vehicle.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Overslung-Underslung
(click to enlarge)

2013 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX 185RB
(click to enlarge)

Larry M.

2/4/2022

Kevin C.

2/4/2022

Lifting the trailer will give you more body roll but shouldn't give you sway, as long as the trailer is level. Even then it's not likely to be that noticeable of a difference while towing. If you aren't experiencing sway then you'll be fine "flipping" the axles with whichever kit matches your axle diameter, # K71-384-00 (for 2-3/8" axles) or # K71-385-00 (for 3" axles), and going with the Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank # RP66020.