How Are Reese Weight Distribution Bars Rated?

[Eagle & Bear]

I have been refurbishing a 1976 29' rear bath International. My tow vehicle is a Ford E350 (1 ton van). The trailer came with the original Reese weight distributing hitch with the "round" bars.

All of the running gear and axles (rated at 4000# ea) are new and I added the Centramatics as well. When the trailer is connected to the van I count four links and then put the rest of the links under tension. It all seems to work well. The van and trailer are both level and the AS tows without any problems even in a cross wind. After 20,000 miles I cannot see any signs of damage to the interior, shell or van.

Problem is that I just weighed the trailer and tongue at a CAT scale. I found that the trailer weighs 7000# at the axles and the tongue weight is 1200# (full water and propane tanks and spare tire). I obviously need to shift some weight around but before I take it back to the CAT scales I want to know if the bars are rated at 600#, 800# or 1000#. I do not see any markings on the bars that would indicate what they are rated at. How do I determine the rating of the bars?

[xrvr]

I think you are fine, jim

[dwightdi]

The 1000 pounders are 1 1/16 inches across. That is as heavy as I would go with the 350 truck suspension. You could go lighter to gain some flexibility and a little softer ride for the trailer.

[SSChanger]

Mine are 800lbs. and work great. Good ride, and seems to be the right combo.