Spring Bar Weights

Scrapper · 07-18-2020, 08:26 PM

Several years ago we bought a sob TT and a Curt Round Bar WDH #17000. My understanding is the hitch head and shank are the same, but the spring bars are what determine the amount of tongue weight. Each bar has 1000 marked with white paint. The question is does anyone know if that means the hitch can carry only 1000# or is it capable of 2000# tongue weight?

It's been so long since I used the WDH. Our current 7yo Flagstaff was delivered new to a seasonal site. It has a unloaded tongue weight of 1120# and this will be the first and only time I will tow it.

flyflotrtim · 07-18-2020, 08:34 PM

While not familiar with the Curt hitch, the Equalizer bars come in different "sizes" that are designed to function best with various trailer tongue weights. Oversized the rig might ride a bit rougher, undersized would not transfer enough weight. I'd call the manufacturer to make sure of your specific unit.

TitanMike · 07-18-2020, 09:27 PM

As I understand the spring bar is sized according to the tongue weight.

On round head spring bars the round portion is the same size for all and the way the bar itself is forged into a taper changes it's "weight rating".

If going to a much heavier tongue weight the spring bars won't be able to transfer as much weight forward on the tow vehicle. On my trailers I've always chosen the next size up from my actual tongue weight. My trailer has 800-850 lbs of measured tongue weight. I use 1,000 lb spring bars and everything adjusts perfectly. Ride is nice too with plenty of control.

Scrapper · 07-18-2020, 09:53 PM

My question is should the bars handle 2000# together as each bar has 1000# written on them? I would think that for a 1000# tongue weight each bar would be marked 500#. It's been so long since we owned the other tt and don't remember what any weights were on it. All I can remember is telling DW that the weights were within a couple hundred pounds for the GCVW and I believe 100 to 150# more for the Flagstaff.

Your are right as to calling Curt for verification but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask here first.

woo10-210 · 07-18-2020, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrapper

My question is should the bars handle 2000# together as each bar has 1000# written on them? I would think that for a 1000# tongue weight each bar would be marked 500#. It's been so long since we owned the other tt and don't remember what any weights were on it. All I can remember is telling DW that the weights were within a couple hundred pounds for the GCVW and I believe 100 to 150# more for the Flagstaff.

Your are right as to calling Curt for verification but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask here first.

The 1,000 pound marking is for the pair of bars. If you're borderline you should step up to the next size bar, usually 1,200 pounds.

flyflotrtim · 07-18-2020, 10:03 PM

[QUOTE=Scrapper;2370313]My question is should the bars handle 2000# together as each bar has 1000# written on them? I would think that for a 1000# tongue weight each bar would be marked 500#.

its likely the 1000# designation is for a max of 1000lb tongue weight. Can't imagine a 2000lb tongue weight trailer.

Scrapper · 07-18-2020, 10:47 PM

Thanks guys. I really don't want to buy new bars as we are in the process of selling the Flagstaff and getting out of camping all together. It's been a great run for 35+ years but with health reasons we must give it up. We both have back problems and I get painful muscle spasms at the most inopportune times.

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