Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a Trailer Weighing 7,700 lbs

Updated 12/01/2014 | Published 11/30/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - 12 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(75)

$870.84

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2617)

$21.43

Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW

(63)

$163.31

Question:

Hello, tech support, we had suv, vw touareg, capable tow 7,700 our trailer about 5,500 lbs full load, plus 1,200 on tow vehicle, so which one of your product lines fit my car? Please help.

asked by: Andy P

Expert Reply:

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well.

Typically tongue weight is 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight. Assuming yours is 7,700 lbs fully loaded you are looking at a tongue weight range of 770 lbs to 1,155 lbs. Based on that the part # RP66074 would work well as it has a tongue weight range of 600-1,200 lbs. You will need to verify your tongue weight though before you purchase this system.

For a shank to go along with it you will want the # RP54970 and for a hitch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Jameson C