Recommended Weight Distribution for Sunset Part Sunlite 16BH Travel Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

From my research, I've found that the Sunset Part Sunlite 16BH Travel Trailer has a GVWR of 3500 lbs which would place it's maximum tongue weight at 525 lbs if you had it loaded to the gills with gear.

Since most folks don't pull their travel trailers completely loaded to the max (or completely empty, for that matter) we can infer that the as-towed tongue weight of the travel trailer will fall somewhere in between 300-500 lbs.

The Reese # RP66022 weight distribution system you'd looked at is a fine system, but I have two problems with using that system:

1) The system's weight capacity is way too high for the travel trailer you're towing

2) The system lacks a sway control component

Using a system rated too highly for the loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your travel trailer will cause a very rough ride.

Because travel trailers have tall sides that catch the wind like sails on a boat would, they are very susceptible to trailer sway caused by turbulence or crosswinds.

The best way to choose which system you need is to determine the as-towed tongue weight of your trailer. Load the trailer up as it would be when towing, and determine its tongue weight using one of the methods shown in the article I've linked for you. To that, you'll want to add the weight of anything stowed in the cargo area of the tow vehicle, behind the rear axle.

If you find that the trailer's as-towed tongue weight is less than 450 lbs, use the Fastway e2 system, part # FA92-00-0450. If it's greater than 450 lbs, use # FA92-00-0800. You'll also need a trailer ball. Either Fastway e2 system combines proven weight distribution performance with sway control that's very effective for mild to moderate trailer sway.

For a 2 inch ball, use # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

I've linked to a demonstration video for the Fastway e2 weight distribution system.

expert reply by: Mike L

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