Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 2004 Ford F-150 and 2011 Eclipse 3 Horse Trailer
Question:
What is the best fit for a WD and Sway system? 2004 F 150 towing 2011 Eclipse 3 horse alum trailer 20 long weigh empty 3,680, GVW 9,990
asked by: Joanne M
Expert Reply:
When selecting a weight distribution system, you will want one that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the trailer tongue weight, with the trailer loaded and ready to tow, and the weigh of any gear loaded in the tow vehicle BEHIND the rear axle. Trailer tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight.
At capacity, 9,990 pounds, the tongue weight at 15 percent would be just under 1,500 pounds so I recommend an 800 to 1,500 pound system like the Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control, # RP66130.
This system also has dual-cam sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts. You would also need a shank, # RP54970, and a properly sized ball, # 63840. I have included a link to the installation details for you.
If you would rather want a friction sway control system, you can use Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution w Sway Control, # RP66561 rated for 700 to 1,400 pounds. This system comes with the shank, so you would just need a ball, # A-90 or # 63840.
If you do not want sway control, then you can use Reese Weight Distribution, # RP66131, and you would need shank # RP54970 and a ball like # 63840.
I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 2 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 1 Inch Drop
- Round - 5 Inch Rise
- Trunnion - 6 Inch Rise
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8K GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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