Will Weight Distribution Allow Me to Tow a Heavier Trailer  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

The specs on the hitch are telling you that the hitch is rated to tow up to an 11,000 pound trailer with 1,100 pounds of tongue weight if you're using a weight distribution system. So there's no need to upgrade the hitch. With that being said, you also want to verify the truck itself can handle that heavy of a trailer by checking your owner's manaul. It's often a hitch is rated higher than the vehicle, especially when you take into account so many optional factors that are available on an F-150 (cab size, bed length, engine, etc.).

If you determine your truck can handle the trailer then you need to choose a weight distribution system. To find a correctly rated system you need the trailer's loaded tongue weight, not its dry tongue weight, and add that to any weight you have stored behind the rear axle of the truck. You want this total to fall somewhere within the WD system's range.

With a trailer that size I would speculate that a 1,200 pound system, like the Equal-i-zer # EQ37120ET, is appropriate because it's rated from 800 to 1,200 pounds of tongue weight. If you find you don't need quite that much there's a slghtly lower system, rated from 600 to 1,000 pounds, part # EQ37100ET. Both systems have 4 point sway control and don't require drilling to install. However, you need a thin walled socket, like part # ALL643216, to install the hitch ball.

expert reply by: Charles S

1