freymann wrote:
We upgraded to our 4th travel trailer, 26 feet long. Each time we bought a new trailer the dealer involved, all different dealers, told me that my Reese Weight Distribution and anti sway bar system was fine.
I could tell, as the driver, that it wasn't "fine" with the most recent 26 footer (and over 2 different tow vehicles) and being the responsible RV owner I researched Weight Distribution and Anti Sway systems and came up with 3 I felt were worth looking at.
I then discussed my concerns that I was after a proper tow package with Peterborough RV, a model was chosen, and an appointment to have the old system removed and the new system installed was made.
You go to a Dentist to have your teeth cared for. I went to a RV Dealer to have my RV cared for. I was being responsible for my RV and the safety of my family and those on the highway with me.
Ok, so this is what has me confused. :@ How could you possibly claim you
"researched weight distribution and anti sway control" when you have no idea what your trailer's gross weight and gross tongue weight typically average loaded and ready to camp? :h Back on Page 5 of this discussion you said -
"I have the 1000 pound bars. I have never had the tongue weight checked at a scale. The trailer manual states the tongue weight is 815 pounds." Say what?! ... how could one possibly select a suitable weight distribution system without knowing how much the trailer weighs or what it's average gross tongue weight may be? :h
Simply referring to a trailer's unloaded tongue weight as may be listed by the factory isn't being "responsible" as that number won't be anywhere near what it's actual gross tongue weight will be once the trailer is ready to go camping. While measuring a trailer's gross weight and gross tongue weight may not be as convenient for some as it is for others there's no excuse to not sit down with pen, paper, and calculator and come up with numbers that will at least put you into the ballpark. Instead, you apparently chose to rely solely on the dealer, as on Page 8 of this discussion, in response to your own statement -
"One question the dealer, Peterborough RV, should have asked was: "What is your tongue weight?" I asked -
"did this question not come up when you were first discussing weight distribution with whomever you were dealing with at the RV dealership?" ... to which you replied -
"Nope. Never". So what you're saying is the dealer never brought up this very important issue ...
but neither did you. That's hardly being "responsible", particularly when this isn't the first trailer you've ever owned. :R
From everything you've posted it would appear your dealer didn't take proper ownership of this problem but it's likewise apparent to me this episode was largely self induced as you didn't take the appropriate first steps to educate yourself on the subject of weight distribution and understand the importance of matching any system to the weights involved in your particular situation. As many have already pointed out, the reality is that like it or not the more you know about your recreational vehicle and how the various systems are intended to work the better prepared you'll be for any eventuality, including how to recognize a properly sized and installed weight distribution system. :)
