Recommended Weight Distribution System for Ford Expedition and 5600-lb Dry Weight Trailer
Question:
Can you tell me the differences between this weight distribution system and the E4, and which you would recommend for my trailer / TV. I purchased a grey wolf 26DBH with a dry weight of 5,622 and will be towing it with a Ford Expedition EL with max tow package 8,700 lb tow capacity. Thank you
asked by: Brian
Expert Reply:
The main differences between the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System # FA94-00-1061 and the similarly-rated Equal-i-zer system # EQ37101ET are that the Fastway has 2-point sway control whereas the Equal-i-zer uses 4-point sway control, and that the Fastway e2 includes a shank and hitch ball. These must be added to the Equal-i-zer system.
The key to selecting a weight distribution (WD) and sway control (SC) system for your trailer is to know it's fully-loaded, road-ready tongue weight (TW) just as it will be loaded when you head out on the road. This means full water and propane tanks, supplies and gear loaded, and also includes the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator.
With this total TW known you can choose a system rated high enough to shift some trailer weight forward onto the front axle, but without being so stiff that it creates weird handling from the trailer. Ideally your total trailer TW will fall right in the middle of the system's operating range. According to my research the trailer's dry hitch weight is 725-lbs; this means that once loaded a 900 - 1000-lb TW figure is quite probable. Ways to measure TW accurately are shown in the linked article; these include the handy etrailer scale # e99044.
The system I recommend is the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084. We consider this to be the champ of WD systems. This is ideal for your 900 - 1000-lb TW. This system prevents sway from starting in the first place and it is compatible with your trailer's electric drum brakes. All you need to add is a hitch ball like # A-90. Note that the lift brackets need to mount to the trailer frame about 30-inches back from the hitch ball and each one needs about 5-inches of space on the frame. If this poses a clearance issue then you can use the alternate bolt-on hangers # RP58305.
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Chain Hangers for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Bolt On
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Chain Hangers
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 10K GTW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
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