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No1Eman's avatar
No1Eman
Explorer
May 22, 2016

Reese dual cam system

Hi,
I currently have a Reese dual cam WD system that I use on my Ford 2012 F150 to pull my Open Range Light 272RLS camper trailer. My Reese dual cam is the one that is rated for a 800 LB tongue weight. I have recently found out that the tongue of my trailer weighs 830 LBS and this is why I can't seem to adjust my hitch so that the truck drives comfortably. I was wondering if I can upgrade my system to the Reese dual cam system with 1200 LB bars and just use the stiffer bars. OR, do I have to change the clamps on the trailer, and use a different hitch on the truck too. In other words, can I use stiffer bars, or do I have to purchase an entire new Reese dual cam hitch system?

Thank you for your help
Chris
  • I agree with the suggestions to get your rig weighed at the earliest opportunity. I would not be surprised if you find you tongue weight well north of 1000lbs. If you get the 1200lb bars, I suspect that they will fit your existing hitch head. I would go ahead and get them, try them in the head, and if they fit you are all set, if not then get a new hitch head. The rest of the stuff like the shank, snap-up brackets, chains, will be fine so no need to purchase that.
    Barney
  • Without knowing the actual TW you are taking unnecessary risks. Find out your actual weights and size appropriately and be certain you are not exceeding other ratings as well.
  • Ok, thank you...I'm good up to 1130 lbs with a WD hitch...so I should be ok there. I had this system on another camper that was quite a bit lighter. I had RV place install it on this camper, you would THINK they may have alerted me to the fact that the weight of this trailer exceeds the limits of this WD hitch! I been fiddling with the adjustment, wondering why I can't seem to get it right! LOL! Well, guess I will now...thanks again!
  • It depends on the age of your wdh. If it is newer you should be able to buy a set of 1200lb bars and be good to go. You will probably need to readjust the dual cam system with the new bars.

    Worst case new hitch head and wd bars.

    Call Reese with your hitch head model and they can help.

    Just looked up your 272, and if it is the same as what is currently listed on their website you probably have a lot higher tw than 830lbs!!! That is the manufactures "brochure" dry weight, which does not even include the propane tanks or a battery on the tongue. That along adds ~160lbs for 2-30lb tanks and a battery. So now your already at ~1000lbs tw before loading the tt up with your stuff for a trip.

    The best thing you can do is go visit a CAT scale and weigh your rig as suggested in my signature link.

    Also, verify you are not exceeding the trucks receiver hitch rating. You could be over that as well.

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