Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a 2015 Ford F-250 Towing Travel Trailer

Question:

Good morning, I have a 2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4 WD Truck with a 6.7 Diesel - 156inch WB pulling a 10,000 lbs Travel Trailer off the aft frame mounted hitch Not a fifth wheel application I would like to reduce our vehicles aft spring wear level the ride when loads are applied and improve the ride when vehicle is loaded. Im looking at two products and need your expertise about these products prior to purchasing. My concerns are: * The mounting of the lower brackets to the jouce bumper strike plate or to the axle..... Which installation is better for handling and stength? * Which manufacture has the best quality air bags? And the least amount of returns for defective parts. The two manufactures that Im looking at are: * Firestone P/N Code F2535 * Air lift P/N Code AL88396. Any information that you can share with us would be greatly appreciated! Thank you,

asked by: Michael M

Expert Reply:

Between Firestone and Air Lift bags I would go with Firestone. Both companies offer great bags, but Firestone bags are made a bit better so I would go with them. The way the rubber attaches to the plate of the air bag on the Firestone bags offers a more secure seal than Air Lift.

However, I have a better solution for you than an air spring kit. Instead you would want a weight distribution system. Not only will a weight distribution system help level the truck when towing but it will also help distribute the tongue weight on the hitch back up to the front axles so that braking and handling gets improved as well.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Once you know your tongue weight you will want to check out the link I attached that has all of the weight distribution systems we carry. You will be able to select your tongue weight from the filters to see what would be rated for your setup.

Most likely the part # RP66130 would be the correct system to use. It has a tongue weight range of 800-1,500 lbs and features the only sway control on the market that works to prevent sway before it starts. You will also need a shank like part # RP54970.

expert reply by: Jameson C