Unknown part of tongue

[Chris_P]

Would anybody be able to tell me what the plate looking thing is in this photo? Is it part of the weight distribution hitch system?

[HowieE]

I do not think it was anything to do with a commercial WD system. However it does look like it may have been a home made system.

[AWCHIEF]

Looks to be backyard engineered.

[dwightdi]

Looks like they were using Reese WD, bars but lost the brackets for the trailer. They must have just hooked the chain links over the top of the plate into the notch. It would sort of work but did not give any of the self centering action of the later twin cam models.
To save money, you could just try to do the same as them, but I would recommend you buy a properly designed system. Your listing does not indicate the size of the trailer or the TV. Better safe than sorry.

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by dwightdi

Looks like they were using Reese WD, bars but lost the brackets for the trailer. They must have just hooked the chain links over the top of the plate into the notch. It would sort of work but did not give any of the self centering action of the later twin cam models.
To save money, you could just try to do the same as them, but I would recommend you buy a properly designed system. Your listing does not indicate the size of the trailer or the TV. Better safe than sorry.

If that is in fact what it is, it would sort of work if the jack was strong enough to raise the rear of the TV with the trailer hitch. The weight would be transferred when the jack was raised. That said, what would the round part on the rear of the plate be for?

[dwightdi]

Most people use the tongue jack to lift the front of the trailer/back of the TV, after the ball has been engaged. This minimizes the stress and potential danger of just using the lever bar to lift the chain over-center. It does put a bit of stress on the tongue jack, but is better than a broken finger.

[featherbedder]

Originally Posted by dwightdi

Most people use the tongue jack to lift the front of the trailer/back of the TV, after the ball has been engaged. This minimizes the stress and potential danger of just using the lever bar to lift the chain over-center. It does put a bit of stress on the tongue jack, but is better than a broken finger.

I would never try to fasten snap ups w/out raising front w/jack. If pipe slips off snap up can be worse than broken finger, minor would be shins banged up to other broken bones or worse. I use old motor cycle fork tube that has insert one end that is same dia. of Reese snap ups, length just rite. You could find from friend or motor cycle shop as when replaced it is junk to them. Plus they are hard chrome plated no rust. Pics look like mickey mouse contraption. Bill

[ijustlee]

Looks like an attempt to solve the WD bars from riding so low. I'd bet the round part was where the bar went while grabbing chain links. Can you talk to the previous owner and get the rest of the hitch set up? Any funny parts hidden in the trailer? Otherwise get a Reese dual cam set up. What size trailer and truck are you using? Did it tow well on just the ball when you brought it home? Might not even need a weight distributing hitch.

[Chris_P]

Originally Posted by ijustlee

Looks like an attempt to solve the WD bars from riding so low. I'd bet the round part was where the bar went while grabbing chain links. Can you talk to the previous owner and get the rest of the hitch set up? Any funny parts hidden in the trailer? Otherwise get a Reese dual cam set up. What size trailer and truck are you using? Did it tow well on just the ball when you brought it home? Might not even need a weight distributing hitch.

It's a 1982 Excella 31' rear twin tt. Towed it from Alabama to the Houston area with a 2006 Dodge 2500 diesel without ANY towing issues. The Dodge isn't mine; I have and will tow the tt a short distance with my 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L.



Chris P
1982 Excella 31' rear twin
2007 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L

[Chris_P]

Would these brackets have to be removed in order to use a standard set up?


Chris P
1982 Excella 31' rear twin
2007 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L

[ijustlee]

Yes, remove them. Standard brackets go right about there.

[Chris_P]

Thanks for all the replies


Chris P
1982 Excella 31' rear twin
2007 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L