Recommended Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System for Ford F-150 Towing Camper Trailer

Question:

I am considering purchasing the REESE Straight line RP66084 hitch. The camper that I am considering purchasing has an empty tongue weight of 645 lbs, a dry weight of 5,339 lbs and a combined weight of 7,500 lbs. I am looking to tow this unit with a Ford F-150 which has a maximum tow weight of 7,300 lbs, which I am sure that I will never exceed. With this in mind, will I have any issues with this hitch set up being too stiff for the load? If so, do you recommend another setup? I look forward to hearing from you.

asked by: Rodger C

Expert Reply:

The key to choosing the right weight distribution/sway control system for your trailer is to know the trailer's fully-loaded ready-to-tow tongue weight (TW). You will want to load the trailer just as you would when heading out - full water and propane tanks, all supplies and gear loaded, etc. You also want to add to the trailer's TW the weight of anything in the truck that sits behind the rear axle, such as a generator or loaded cooler. This combined TW total will let you choose a WD system that is stiff enough to shift some trailer TW forward onto the truck's front axle without being so stiff that it creates odd handling from the trailer. Ideally your total TW falls right in the middle of the system's operating range.

Since your trailer's dry hitch weight is 645-lbs by the time you add your cargo and supplies you're likely to be in the range of 800 to 900-lbs total TW. In this case the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66084 would be an excellent choice since it works with TW ranging from 600 to 1200-lbs. Trunnion style bars offer better ground clearance than round bar systems. All you need to add is the hitch ball, either 2-inch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Adam R