Adding Weight Distribution To A Utility Trailer That Doesn't Have Frame Access

Updated 05/21/2026 | Published 05/16/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Chain Hangers for Curt Weight Distribution Systems - Bolt On

(33)

$46.09

Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems

(336)

$88.37

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000 lbs

(3998)

$21.90

Curt MV Weight Distribution System - Round Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(370)

$360.65

Question:

I have a utility trailer and am looking for a weight distribution hitch. Based on the shape of the trailer tongue and trailer, it doesn’t look like I have space above the trailer frame. What kind of options would you recommend? Right now, it weighs around 5,500 Lbs, but it is rated to 7,000. So anything we do I would like to have it rated at least for that amount in case we need it.

asked by: Taylor S

Expert Reply:

Hi Taylor!

That style trailer does complicate things a bit, but I do still have a potential option for you. With that said, check out the parts I have listed below:

Curt MV Weight Distribution System - Round Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # C17051
Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems # 17200
Chain Hangers for Curt Weight Distribution Systems - Bolt On # C17005

This system will match your current and potential tongue weight capacities and the Friction Sway Control will offer you good control of sway (just be aware these types of sway control do make a bit of noise and do need to be disconnected before backing up). The chain hangers are what will allow the system to attach to your trailer. It will require drilling through your frame for the install (and you will end up with extra snap up brackets from the main system that won't be used), but it is really the only option when the trailer has the body mounted like yours. Kind of a pain in the butt, but there isn't really a way around that.

Oh and if you don't already have one, you will also need something like the Curt 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter Shank # A-6. The weight distribution system above does not include the ball.

What are you typically hauling in your trailer?

expert reply by: Lazer S

Taylor's Utility Trailer
(click to enlarge)

Taylor S.

5/21/2026

Thanks for the suggestion, just a couple things to clarify for this set up. One side of the v-neck is a ramp, so can the hanger be mounted low enough on the trailer frame so it won’t interfere with the ramp? Also, the other side has aluminum diamond plate, can the hanger mount to the frame through that, or will I need to cut a section so the hanger is directly on the frame? We’re actually hauling around a bunch of animatronic ride-on dinosaurs.

Lazer S.

5/21/2026

@TaylorS Well that's not what I was expecting you to say! That's awesome! ^___^ Are they for like kids shows? (and adults that really like dinosaurs, myself included) To your questions though, yes you can mount the hangers as low as needed, so that's not a problem. I don't think I would be 100% comfortable saying to mount it over the aluminum diamond plate. If I were doing this, I would definitely cut out a patch where the hanger could mount directly to the frame.

Taylors

5/21/2026

@LazerS So far they’ve been used for a couple of birthday parties, and some camps are planned in the summer. They can carry 350 lbs, so the parents usually take a turn too. I’ve been saying we should take the governors off and use them for dinosaur jousting, but I’ve been overruled thus far. Thanks again for the info.

Lazer S.

5/21/2026

@Taylors Should pitch that idea to ESPN Ocho. With what they tend to air, I bet they go for it. I'd sure as heck watch it! ^___^ Have fun with your dinos and let me know if there is anything else I can help with!