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Model: 66542High Strength Steel Head Assemnly
Trunnion spring bars
Adjustable Shank
Lift Brackets
Pin/Clip
Installation Hardware
Installation Instructions
REESE TRUNNION BAR HEAVY DUTY WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING COMPLETE KIT FEATURES
Reese has combined the best of the features from all of our weight distributing kits to create the High-Performance Trunnion Kit. It includes a head design with superior strength and easy adjustment.
In addition to the changes in the head, the Weight Distributing Kit includes the highest rated spring bars per class in the industry. They also feature an integrated cam for easy set up with the optional Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control. Other features include 9-link chains for easier set up on larger trailer frames and innovative snap-up brackets designed for superior strength and durability.
Raised hitch ball platform eliminates the need for raised hitch balls
Easy-to-use serrated washers for head adjustment
Forged ball platform and spring bar mounts
Rated up to 12,000 lbs. GTW and 1,200 lbs. TW
Limited lifetime warranty
*Ball sold seperately - Requires 1-1/4" diameter shank*
Adjustable Shank Specs:
Length | 14" from center of Ball hole to center of hitch pin hole |
Rise | 6"-1/2" From top of hitch receiver opening |
Drop | 1-1/4" From top of hitch receiver opening |
Add a weight distributing system to provide a more level ride, greater steering and brake control. The differences are in construction materials, welding, manufacturing processes and hook-up. Adjustment is simple because of the easy-to-operate snap-up brackets that allow trunnion spring bar tension to be adjusted by changing links in the support chains. Rather than merely supporting the trailer tongue weight (TW), weight-distributing hitches apply leverage between the towing vehicle and trailer causing the TW to be carried by all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer.

WHY CHOOSE REESE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS?
Optional Parts that can be added to this kit:
Hitch Ball w/ 1-1/4" Diameter Shank (required)
Bar-Style Friction Sway Control
Dual-Cam Sway Control
$674 79 $932.13 28% OFF
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Product Details
- Brand: Reese
- Model: 66542
- Includes: Trailer Weight Distribution Hitch
High Strength Steel Head Assemnly
Trunnion spring bars
Adjustable Shank
Lift Brackets
Pin/Clip
Installation Hardware
Installation Instructions
REESE TRUNNION BAR HEAVY DUTY WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING COMPLETE KIT FEATURES
Reese has combined the best of the features from all of our weight distributing kits to create the High-Performance Trunnion Kit. It includes a head design with superior strength and easy adjustment.
In addition to the changes in the head, the Weight Distributing Kit includes the highest rated spring bars per class in the industry. They also feature an integrated cam for easy set up with the optional Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control. Other features include 9-link chains for easier set up on larger trailer frames and innovative snap-up brackets designed for superior strength and durability.
Raised hitch ball platform eliminates the need for raised hitch balls
Easy-to-use serrated washers for head adjustment
Forged ball platform and spring bar mounts
Rated up to 12,000 lbs. GTW and 1,200 lbs. TW
Limited lifetime warranty
*Ball sold seperately - Requires 1-1/4" diameter shank*
Adjustable Shank Specs:
Length | 14" from center of Ball hole to center of hitch pin hole |
Rise | 6"-1/2" From top of hitch receiver opening |
Drop | 1-1/4" From top of hitch receiver opening |
Add a weight distributing system to provide a more level ride, greater steering and brake control. The differences are in construction materials, welding, manufacturing processes and hook-up. Adjustment is simple because of the easy-to-operate snap-up brackets that allow trunnion spring bar tension to be adjusted by changing links in the support chains. Rather than merely supporting the trailer tongue weight (TW), weight-distributing hitches apply leverage between the towing vehicle and trailer causing the TW to be carried by all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer.

WHY CHOOSE REESE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS?
Optional Parts that can be added to this kit:
Hitch Ball w/ 1-1/4" Diameter Shank (required)
Bar-Style Friction Sway Control
Dual-Cam Sway Control
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Reese 12K Trailer Weight Distribution Hitch Trunnion Spring Bars Adjustable Shank, 1,200 lbs TW, Brackets, Hardware Travel Trailer Load Equilizing Hitch Install Notes
Installation Instructions for Trunnion Style Weight Distributing Kits ## Part Numbers - 66542 --- ## Tools Required - Drill Bits: 7/16”, 9/16”, and 1/4” - Wrenches: 3/4", 1-1/8”, and 15/16” - Torque Wrench (capable of 300 ft-lbs) - Tape Measure - Grease or Heavy Oil - C-Clamp --- ## Hardware List 1. Hitch Bar 2. Ball Mount 3. Spring Bars 4. Trunnions 5. Snap-Up Brackets 6. 5/8” Lock Washers 7. 5/8”-11 Hex Bolts 8. Chains with U-Bolts 9. 1/2”-13 Self-Tapping Screws --- ## Step-by-Step Installation Instructions ### Initial Setup 1. Align the tow vehicle and trailer on level ground, uncoupled, and in a straight-ahead position. 2. Level the trailer and measure the distance from the ground to the top of the ball socket. Record this value as X
. 3. Choose a hitch ball matching the trailer coupler size (1-7/8", 2", or 2-5/16") and ensure its rating equals or exceeds the trailer's GVWR. > Warning: Raised hitch balls often have reduced load ratings. Ensure the ball's rating is suitable. 4. Attach the hitch ball to the ball mount using a lock washer and nut. Torque to: - 450 ft-lbs for 1-1/4” nuts - 250 ft-lbs for 1” nuts 5. Insert the hitch bar into the receiver and secure it with a pull pin. 6. Adjust the ball mount so the ball sits 3/4" to 1" higher than the coupler height to account for vehicle squat. ### Preliminary Adjustments 1. Install hardware in the lower hole of the ball mount to secure its position. 2. Insert the spring bars into the ball mount sockets and adjust their height (Y
) based on the provided table. Tilt the ball mount for proper alignment. --- ## Maintenance 1. Lubricate the ball mount sockets and trunnion bars daily with heavy grease or oil. 2. Clean the hitch ball and coupler socket after each use and apply grease lightly. 3. Inspect bolts, chains, and U-bolts for wear and tighten or replace as necessary. --- ## Safety Notes - Always ensure the trailer is level and the weight is distributed evenly. - Never tow a trailer that exceeds the ratings of your vehicle, hitch, or trailer. - Use safety chains and confirm all electrical connections are functional before each trip. --- ## Warranty Information - Limited Lifetime Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser. - Exclusions: - Normal wear and tear - Misuse, overloading, or improper maintenance - Claims require proof of purchase and must be submitted to Horizon Global America, Inc. --- ## Manufacturer Details - Company: Horizon Global America, Inc. - Contact: 1-888-521-0510 - Document Revision: 66006IN, 05/29/13, Rev. L
Installation Instructions for Trunnion Style Weight Distributing Kits
Part Numbers - 66542
Tools Required
- Drill Bits: 7/16”, 9/16”, and 1/4”
- Wrenches: 3/4", 1-1/8”, and 15/16”
- Torque Wrench (capable of 300 ft-lbs)
- Tape Measure
- Grease or Heavy Oil
- C-Clamp
Hardware List
- Hitch Bar
- Ball Mount
- Spring Bars
- Trunnions
- Snap-Up Brackets
- 5/8” Lock Washers
- 5/8”-11 Hex Bolts
- Chains with U-Bolts
- 1/2”-13 Self-Tapping Screws
Step-by-Step Installation Instructions
Initial Setup
- Align the tow vehicle and trailer on level ground, uncoupled, and in a straight-ahead position.
- Level the trailer and measure the distance from the ground to the top of the ball socket. Record this value as
X
. - Choose a hitch ball matching the trailer coupler size (1-7/8", 2", or 2-5/16") and ensure its rating equals or exceeds the trailer's GVWR.
Warning: Raised hitch balls often have reduced load ratings. Ensure the ball's rating is suitable.
- Attach the hitch ball to the ball mount using a lock washer and nut. Torque to:
- 450 ft-lbs for 1-1/4” nuts
- 250 ft-lbs for 1” nuts
- Insert the hitch bar into the receiver and secure it with a pull pin.
- Adjust the ball mount so the ball sits 3/4" to 1" higher than the coupler height to account for vehicle squat.
Preliminary Adjustments
- Install hardware in the lower hole of the ball mount to secure its position.
- Insert the spring bars into the ball mount sockets and adjust their height (
Y
) based on the provided table. Tilt the ball mount for proper alignment.
Maintenance
- Lubricate the ball mount sockets and trunnion bars daily with heavy grease or oil.
- Clean the hitch ball and coupler socket after each use and apply grease lightly.
- Inspect bolts, chains, and U-bolts for wear and tighten or replace as necessary.
Safety Notes
- Always ensure the trailer is level and the weight is distributed evenly.
- Never tow a trailer that exceeds the ratings of your vehicle, hitch, or trailer.
- Use safety chains and confirm all electrical connections are functional before each trip.
Warranty Information
- Limited Lifetime Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser.
- Exclusions:
- Normal wear and tear
- Misuse, overloading, or improper maintenance
- For complete warranty instructions, please download the full installation PDF.
For technical support and assistance, our team of experts is available to help. You can reach our tech support by visiting www.trailerjacks.com or calling 877-869-6690.