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Old 02-22-2009, 11:29 AM   #1
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2010 27' FB Classic
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Ratings of Springbars

I have a Reese set up which I've had for 20 years and I'm wondering how I can tell what rating the springbars are? I hear people saying that a trailer my size(23ft.) should have bars rated about 550 to 600lb. What is the difference sizes I could measure to determine my rating of my current spring bars?
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Old 02-22-2009, 11:53 AM   #2
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I have a Reese set up which I've had for 20 years and I'm wondering how I can tell what rating the springbars are? I hear people saying that a trailer my size(23ft.) should have bars rated about 550 to 600lb. What is the difference sizes I could measure to determine my rating of my current spring bars?
The rating of the bars, are also dependent on the exact tow vehicle, that will be used, and it's spring rate.

Measure at the top of the square bar as it enters the "trunnion."

1 inch = 550 pounds.

1 1/8 inch = 750 pounds.

1 1/4 inch = 1000 pounds.

Andy
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Old 02-22-2009, 12:23 PM   #3
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Thanks Andy!
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Old 03-06-2009, 03:45 PM   #4
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Ok, Now after checking my spring bars I find out I have the 1000lb set up. I need to change over to a lighter set of spring bars. Looks like I need the 550lb set. I tow with a 1 ton pick up these days.
I tried calling Reese all day yesterday and only get a recording and it won't take a message, just says call back later. After calling back 35 time and hearing the same message I've had enough. Does anyone know if the older style spring bars are still made and where is a good place to call or visit online to order the same? A new set up would cost about $550 so I'm trying to just get the spring bars in the right size and save a few $.
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Old 03-06-2009, 03:51 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Bluto View Post
Ok, Now after checking my spring bars I find out I have the 1000lb set up. I need to change over to a lighter set of spring bars. Looks like I need the 550lb set. I tow with a 1 ton pick up these days.
I tried calling Reese all day yesterday and only get a recording and it won't take a message, just says call back later. After calling back 35 time and hearing the same message I've had enough. Does anyone know if the older style spring bars are still made and where is a good place to call or visit online to order the same? A new set up would cost about $550 so I'm trying to just get the spring bars in the right size and save a few $.
Please check your PM.

Andy
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Old 03-06-2009, 03:52 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluto View Post
Ok, Now after checking my spring bars I find out I have the 1000lb set up. I need to change over to a lighter set of spring bars. Looks like I need the 550lb set. I tow with a 1 ton pick up these days.
I tried calling Reese all day yesterday and only get a recording and it won't take a message, just says call back later. After calling back 35 time and hearing the same message I've had enough. Does anyone know if the older style spring bars are still made and where is a good place to call or visit online to order the same? A new set up would cost about $550 so I'm trying to just get the spring bars in the right size and save a few $.
Bluto,

Try a trailer repair shop or independent hitch installer. Either of these might have lighter bars that you can purchase.

Bill
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Old 04-05-2013, 12:04 AM   #7
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Bumping an old thread as I have a similar question. We have a relatively new Reese setup with 750 lb bars that doesn't seem to be shifting enough weight to the front axle on our Tahoe.

I also have the 25 year old WD hitch that we got with the trailer. It had been painted so I don't know the brand. Is it possible to measure how strong the bars are? I would need to have the head rewelded to sit higher, but if the bars are 1000 lb bars I would consider that as the whole thing sits at least 1" closer to the bumper.

Thanks!
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Old 04-05-2013, 06:09 AM   #8
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Bumping an old thread as I have a similar question. We have a relatively new Reese setup with 750 lb bars that doesn't seem to be shifting enough weight to the front axle on our Tahoe.

I also have the 25 year old WD hitch that we got with the trailer. It had been painted so I don't know the brand. Is it possible to measure how strong the bars are? I would need to have the head rewelded to sit higher, but if the bars are 1000 lb bars I would consider that as the whole thing sits at least 1" closer to the bumper.

Thanks!
Post a photo showing the hitch set up when it's ready for travel.

Truck scales are the best way to determine weight transfer.

Andy
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Old 04-05-2013, 06:59 AM   #9
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Ian,

Could you post some pics.
I had no problem moving all the weight I wanted with my 30'er (900lb tongue weight) when I used my Reese with 800# bars. I wonder if you are using enough head tilt.
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Old 04-05-2013, 07:21 AM   #10
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A used hitch may have been over-stressed at some point. It's a gamble no matter what "fixes" or changes are applied.
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Old 04-05-2013, 08:27 AM   #11
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A used hitch may have been over-stressed at some point. It's a gamble no matter what "fixes" or changes are applied.
Used, most anything, has an unknown history.

When it comes to using "used" torsion bars, it's anyone's guess as to how they were treated.

Safety, dictates avoid used torsion bars.

The penalties may be greater than someone has bargained for.

Andy
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