Weight Distribution and Sway Control for a 2006 Ford F-150 and 2003 Gulf Stream Lite

Question:

I am looking at buying a 2003 golf stream stream lite. I am not sure if I can use my standard 2 inch ball or if I need a swaybar set up. The dealer says he believes it weighs about 3800 pounds. What is your opinion? I will be pulling it with a 2006 F150 XLT crew cab 6bed, 4 x 4, with a 5.4 motor in it.

asked by: John A

Expert Reply:

You can use a regular ball mount and ball with a friction sway control bar such as # 83660. But I think the real question is do you need a weight distribution system. Weight distribution should be used if the gross trailer weight is at least 50 percent of the tow vehicle weight. Your 2006 Ford F-150 probably weighs less than 7,600 pounds so weight distribution would be a good idea.

To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

A trailer that weighs 3,800 pounds should have a tongue weight of 380 to 570 pounds (10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight). But if the tongue weight is under 550 pounds you could use Pro Series system # PS49901 which comes with sway control. If the tongue weight is over 550 pounds then you can use # PS49582 rated for 550 to 750 pounds tongue weight.

expert reply by: Michael H