How to Determine Correct Weight Distribution Hitch Set Up

Question:

I have a 28 ft enclosed race trailer. I have trailered it for 3 years loaded the same way, no issues with sway but I felt like the truck and trailer bounced too much and too long over bumps. I was planing a trip of over 1000 miles so I decided to have my hitch upgraded and set up by professionals I purchased a blue Ox and it was set up by the shop where I purchased it. I made the trip and the bounce was gone but the sway was very dangerous even small vehicles passing would impact me. My tow vehicle is a f-250 diesel 4 door Could my tongue weight be too low now?? Very confused and frustrated

asked by: Tim B

Expert Reply:

Without knowing specifics I can only speculate but if you have a Blue Ox SwayPro like part # BXW1000 you should have better control over sway so it sounds like you may not have a properly rated system.

In order to choose the best weight distribution system you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your F-250.

The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR but you'll want to verify it by using a scale such as the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW falls somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

For example, if your TTW was 875 lbs you would want the Blue Ox SwayPro like part # BXW1000, which is for TTW between 750 lbs and 1,000 lbs. I don't think the SwayPro is the best option for controlling sway either; for that I think the Equal-i-zer systems are the best due to their 4 points of sway control at the head and at the arms.

I have added a link to some help articles on weight distribution hitches as well as a link to our entire selection of systems.