Weight Distribution System for 2011 Jayco 20 Octane Super Lite 161 with Great Sway Control
Updated 12/15/2025 | Published 11/18/2024
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Question:
Hello. I have a 2011 Jayco 20 Octane Super Lite 161 and looking for recommendations regarding a WDH with sway control/prevention. I am pulling with a Ram 1500 Quad Cab Tradesman with the 5.7 V8 engine. Towing Chart Numbers: GVWR 6900, Payload 1760, Base Weight 5137.98 Front 2938.37 Rear 2199.71, GAWR Front 3700 Rear 3900 GCWR 13800, Max Trailer Weight Rating 8210 The only toy I will be hauling is a triumph scrambler at 400 lbs. wet weight. The published specs on the 2011 Octane Super Lite 161 are: Dry Weight: 4,110 lbs., Payload Capacity, 2,890 lbs., GVWR, 7,000 lbs. and Hitch Weight: 530 lbs. Because of the lp tanks and tongue basket there is a point about 30 from the center of the ball up the tongue frame for mounting points. I am looking for a quality WDH with good Sway control/prevention. Thanks in advance.
asked by: Michael
Expert Reply:
Hello Michael.
Thanks for the detailed information. The main thing you want to go off when finding the right weight distribution system is the loaded tongue weight. The tongue weight is typically around 10-15% of the trailers weight. I recommend before purchasing a system, to load up your trailer and use a tongue scale like Big Truck Big RV Tongue Weight Scale # BTBRV44FR to get an accurate weight.
After you get an accurate weight I am sure you will be between the 400-800 pound range. The Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # RP66083 will work great for your application. This unit will install onto the Jayco's frame about 30" back from the hitch ball and will require about 5 1/2" of space. If you don't have that kind of space, you can always get the Chain Hangers for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Bolt On # RP58305 so you can bolt the chains up onto the side of the frame instead of on top. I promise this system will not disappoint.
The # RP66083 does not come with the ball. For a 2" ball you want # A-90, and for a 2 5/16" ball # 19286
I have included a couple of review videos so you can get a good feel for the products before purchasing.
Kate F.
12/15/2025
Hey Michael, how did things go with the Strait-Line weight distribution system on your Jayco? Did the sway control perform the way you hoped when towing with your Ram? Your update could make it easier for the next person setting up a similar trailer.