Weight distribution bars for a 21SS

[RoyGBivUV]

What weight distribution bars do you aim for for good right with a 21SS? Lists for 635 lbs tongue weight. Figuring minimums, you should be accounting for propane (80lbs), batteries (2x6v=80lbs) at a minimum, right, so probably around 795lbs

Calculating maximums, technically you're supposed to figure on a max of 2,281 lbs, mostly (estimate as 2/3) on the wheels, so effective weight on tongue is probably estimate an additional 760lbs on the tongue, which would be 1395lb max, right?

So, would you be aiming for WD bars tuned for 800-1400lbs? Would you get two different bars, one for heavily loaded & one for normal loads? I figure if I get 1400lb bars, it'd ride rigid as hell at light loads. What do you have, and how does it ride?

[KMP44]

The max GVWR for the 21SS is 6697 - with 2281 for cargo capacity, options, and battery/propane. In our 23IKSS we were about 900 lbs over the yellow sticker weight when loaded. I doubt you will put enough stuff in the trailer to use the entire 2281, but even if you do, tongue weight should be 12-15% of the trailer weight, so 15% of 6697 puts you at 989. Say you add 1500 to the brochure weight and have 13.5% tongue weight. That's 799 lbs tongue weight.

I think your decsision is probably a debate between 800 and 1000lb bars. If you go with too high a rating - like 1400lb, it will be too stiff to be effective. I would get an opinion from your dealer and I would read the setup manual for whatever brand of hitch you are going to get to see what guidelines they give you for selecting the correct load range. Having 2 sets seems unneccessary.

[force]

I have the 1,200lb bars for my 23SS. My tongue weight runs 600-650lbs.

One of my guiding principles is, when in doubt, over do it

[Dave Lyon]

Mine are 1,000 lbs. and so far so good.

[Shado]

We have 1k bars on our 233S and rides great.

[Triguy]

I had the 1000 lb bars for my 233S.

[bikendan]

1,000lbs. bars for my 23SS.

[force]

Slight correction...my bars actually say 801-1,200 lbs. I have a Husky WDH.

No idea if other brands offer a range, or just a fixed / max capacity weight.

[urocav2001]

I have 1200 lbs bars for our 233s rides ok I think

[latner]

1000 lbs bars here, 21SS

[RoyGBivUV]

Thanks for the landmarks. KMP44, I agree, 800 vs 1000 feels like the right range to consider, and there's no way i'd ever come close to the rated load limit, so a 1400lb set of bars seems way too stiff to me.

[Dave Lyon]

Originally Posted by RoyGBivUV

Thanks for the landmarks. KMP44, I agree, 800 vs 1000 feels like the right range to consider, and there's no way i'd ever come close to the rated load limit, so a 1400lb set of bars seems way too stiff to me.

I agree - boy that would be a stiff ride! I would go with the 1,000 lbs. bars.

[Cowracer]

I have the Reese Straight line on my 21SSL with the 1700 lb bars. The front deck is rated for 1400 lbs, so I wanted to be sure I had enough bar to handle carrying 2 4wd ATVs on it.

I run the same chain link on the snap up with the deck empty or loaded and I have never noticed any indication of it "riding too stiff".

I would say overbuy, and then maybe back off a link if its too harsh.

Tim

[Dave Lyon]

Originally Posted by Cowracer

I have the Reese Straight line on my 21SSL with the 1700 lb bars. The front deck is rated for 1400 lbs, so I wanted to be sure I had enough bar to handle carrying 2 4wd ATVs on it.

I run the same chain link on the snap up with the deck empty or loaded and I have never noticed any indication of it "riding too stiff".

I would say overbuy, and then maybe back off a link if its too harsh.

Tim

I'm sure everything rides soft compared to the big Excursion!