Weight distribution bars/stabilizer

[NevadaCamper]

I am about to take delivery of a new Jay Flight Swift SLX 185RB. On my old trailer I needed the weight distribution bars and stabilizer bar. With this new, much lighter trailer do I still need these? Looking at the size of the tongue on the old one and the new one I am not sure the old one would fit on the new one. Any thoughts? (the old trailer was my very first, the operative word being OLD) I had it for only the end of the last camping season. Thanks

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Depends on what you are towing with.

[howie]

I transfered my WDH brackets off of the 1972 Dutch Craft that I had to my new X19H with no problem. Not sure what type you have.

[NevadaCamper]

I am towing with a Silverado 5.3 V8. It is 4WD and is set up with the towing package. It has a brake controller. I'm afraid I am not well versed in the technical aspects of my vehicle. I know it towed the old 19 foot Fleetwood Prowler without any problem.

[hboy]

One thing you might check is the tow rating of the hitch on the truck. My pick up is rated to tow over 11,000 lbs. My payload is about 1,500 lbs.

My hitch is rated for only 500 lbs tongue weight w/o a wd hitch, and 1,000 lb with a wd hitch.

You can always to the "wait and see" approach as well. Good luck!

[NevadaCamper]

I will look into ratings of my truck. I assume this would all be in the owners manual.

[ddrueckh]

I believe that WD not only helps distribute weight, but also adds some sway control. I would use it for that purpose alone...even if your truck can handle the tongue weight without it.

[clubhouse]

Originally Posted by NevadaCamper

I will look into ratings of my truck. I assume this would all be in the owners manual.

The receiver rating mentioned above likely won't be in the manual, but rather on the receiver itself. You will see something like...

Weight Carrying Mode (no WD Hitch) 500/5000 = 500Lb tongue weight and 5000 Lb Trailer weight

or

Weight Distribution Mode (w/ WD Hitch) 1000/7500 = 1000Lb Tongue Weight and 7500Lb Trailer Weight.

Without knowing all the details of you truck and trailer, I will say that I think the swift you are looking at is a good match with a Chevy 1500. I would suggest a WD with integrated sway (i.e. Equl-i-zer) mainly for the sway control even if a WD isn't required. However depending on the trailers actual tongue weight you may be required to use a WD hitch simply to not exceed the receiver's rating.

Hope I am being clear