Installing Frame Brackets And Spring Bars On Reese WDS For A Jayco Redhawk 25R Motorhome

Published 01/25/2023

Question:

We have a Jayco Redhawk 25R motorhome on a Ford E-450 chassis and tow a 6 x 12 cargo trailer containing a three wheeled motorcycle. The total loaded trailer weight is 2700 lbs. with about a 360 lb tongue weight. The RV has airlifts for additional handling adjustments. The trailer is level when towed. The added weight on the rear RV axle is about 680 lbs when the trailer is connected. The front axle is unloaded about 300 lbs. the front axle has about 1400 lbs additional capacity available. There are no handling problems with the trailer in tow. However there is only about 300 lbs capacity left on the RV rear axle with the trailer connected. Would a weight equalizing hitch move some of the weight back to the front axle and off the rear axle? I am not sure how the long distance between the hitch and rear axle ~11 ft will affect the function of a weight distributing hitch. Also: What is the criteria for desired spring bar angle to use when determining the ball mount angle? Thank you

asked by: Scott W

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution system like the Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w Sway Control # RE34FR will work great in distributing the load of your trailer across your axles.

The Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w Sway Control # RE34FR you were looking at is a great a option and will do a great job reducing trailer sway and providing a comfortable ride.

When it comes to installing the frame brackets for the spring bars, you will need to:

- Position inner and outer frame brackets 27.5” from the center of trailer coupler with bolt going through the top bolts. Snug nut to the back of the inner frame bracket & insert lower bolt with serrated washer through inner frame bracket as close to the underside of the trailer frame as possible, and snug bolt. Torque both bolts to 130 ft-lbs.

- Orient L-bracket so that the bottom portion of the bracket is ~3” above the unloaded spring bar. Secure the L-bracket to outer frame bracket using 2 bolts and lock washers. Bolts should be spaced with either 1 or 2 open holes between them (do not put both bolt next directly next to each other). Be mindful to not use the threaded hole that bolt has used. Torque bolts to 80 ft-lbs.

-Installing and removing spring bars onto L-brackets: extend trailer jack until spring bar ends are above the L-brackets. Adding a 6” x 6” block or support under the jack will make extension and raising the trailer faster and protect the jack from being extended to max travel. The higher you raise the trailer the easier to install or remove spring bars from L-brackets. Swing spring bars on to L-brackets as close to trailer frame as possible. Secure the spring bars by dropping in covers. Then secure the covers using the pins.

I have attached some diagrams that may also help as well.

expert reply by: Bryce D