Replacement Weight Distribution Head for 18 Year-Old Reese Trunnion Spring Bars

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Question:

Hi, I have what I think is an old Reese Weight distribution hitch. 18 yrs old not used much. Spring bars say 1000 lb on the trunnion, no model # . My ball head is cracked. My question is will my existing spring bar/trunnions fit into your Reese RP58167 ball head ? I noticed in the picture it does not have that little lever you lift up to install the trunnion head Is this no longer required ? Please help I am supposed to go away in 2 weeks Thanks.

asked by: Anthony P

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Expert Reply:

The weight distribution heads and the trunnions on the spring bars have gone through several evolutionary changes over the years, so the # RP58167 almost certainly wouldn't be compatible with spring bars that are 18 years old. However, I can get try to get some confirmation or attempt to find something compatible if you could provide the part numbers from your existing spring bars.

If you can't find any numbers on your bars, honestly your best course of action would be to go with a new set-up. To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the SUV or truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

For instance if your TTW is 900 lbs, a system rated for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 600 to 1200 lbs would be perfect. If you don't need sway control, a simple trunnion system like part # RP66542 would be a good choice. For a moderate amount of trailer sway, a Reese SC system like # RP66560 would work well. For moderate to severe sway, the Reese Strait-Line system like part # RP66084 which literally forces the trailer to stay directly in line behind the tow vehicle would be the way to go. I based these recommendations on the capacity of the spring bars you currently have. If your TTW is above 1200 or below 600 lbs, let me know and I can make a different recommendation.

The three systems I mentioned above include the weight distributing shank, but the # A-90 2 inch or # 19286 2-5/16 inch trailer ball is sold separately.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

I spoke with my contact at Reese and the Reese High Performance Trunnion Head with RP54970 Shank, item #RP54980, will work with your trunnion bars as long as the original head is part number 54901. With the additional weight distribution shank, item…

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Answer 2

Hey Robert, Are there any part numbers listed on the spring bars? What does the end that connects to the trailer frame brackets look like? What frame brackets came with the bars? We'll need to determine exactly which system these are for in order…

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Answer 3

A Bearing Buddy can install on a EZ lube hub/spindle but you are going to have to take the zerk fitting off of the spindle to allow the Bearing Buddy to fit and have the needed clearance. You can yank it off with a pair of pliers or vice grips. If…

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Answer 4

Hey Jack, the Furrion Chill HE RV unit like the part #FR52PR is going to be your best solution. It is the quietest and draws the lowest amount of power at 11.2 amps compared to most similar options that are around 15. We've tested all of the…

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Answer 5

I have linked the instrucitons for Reese Strait-Line weight distribution #RP66082 to the right. I have also linked the instructions for the dual-cam sway control portion. The instructions do cover everything including where the brackets need to go on…

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Answer 6

To determine the amount of drop you'll need your replacement shank to have, take a height measurement from the top inside edge of the receiver tube to the ground, then measure from the bottom of the trailer's coupler to the ground (make sure…

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Answer 7

For a replacement Reese trunnion spring bar rated for up to 12,000 lbs (or 1,200 lbs tongue weight) you need the Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar for Reese Weight Distribution System #RP66009. This is a single bar so if you need to replace both of…

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Answer 8

Yes, you can replace the trunnion ends of your spring bars. The Replacement Trunnion and Pin for Reese 1200 - 1600 lb Trunnion Style Weight Distribution, item #58097, is the replacement part. You will need two ends and the roll pin is included with…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 11

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Replacement Weight Distribution Head for 18 Year-Old Reese Trunnion Spring Bars

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