Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 2009 Ford F-450 with 2-1/2 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver

Question:

I have a 2009 Ford F450 with the factory Class V hitch 2.5inch receiver. I note the Reese comes with a 2inch bar. While I do have a 2inch sleeve, I would like to stay with the 2.5inch. Can this combo be done? I am hauling a 27foot toy hauler unloaded TW of 1025lbs, 6600lbs empty weight. I have yet to load my 1000foot motorcycle so I donfoott know what the TW will be when I do, but I suspect it will be close to the rating of my hitch without WD. I currently have a 2.5inch ball mount, a 2 5/16 ball with 1 1/4 shaft to fit the ball mount rated at 13K. Thanks.

asked by: Bill R

Expert Reply:

We do have 2 weight distribution systems that will fit a 2-1/2 inch trailer hitch receiver like the one on your 2009 Ford F-450. Both are rated for 1,000 to 1,700 pounds tongue weight. When calculating tongue weight you also want to include the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Trailer tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. It seems that your trailer has a higher tongue weight percentage, about 16 percent. With your bike loaded and the trailer at approximately 7,600 pounds, at 16 percent the tongue weight would be 1,216 pounds. That is not including anything behind the rear axle in the bed of the truck or anything else that might be in the trailer.

Our 2-1/2 inch receiver systems should work well for this truck and trailer combination. The first system does not include sway control, Reese Titan Weight Distribution, # RP66006. You will also need the correct shank, # RP54977. And since you already have a ball, you will not need to add one. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you.

The other system does include sway control, Strait-Line Weight Distribution, # RP66075. It comes with dual-cam sway control which is an active system that stops trailer sway before it starts. You would need the shank for this system as well, # RP54976. I have included a link to the installation instructions for this system as well.

I have also included a link to our weight distribution and sway control FAQ article for you.

expert reply by: Michael H