Recommended Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for Jayco 27BH Travel Trailer

Question:

I recently purchased a used travel trailer with a weight distribution hitch, but the hitch is no longer functional/safe. It got so rusted in the hole for the round bar that the pin that holds the round bar in is shot. What size weight distributing hitch do I need for a Jayco Jayflight 27bh, being pulled by a four wheel drive 2003 F-150 supercrew. The data I got off of Jaycos website said the trailer has a dry hitch weight of 640 lbs, an unloaded vehicle weight of 4925 lbs, and a gross vehicle weight of 7500 lbs. Any help/advice would be appreciated.

asked by: Hank

Expert Reply:

To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures represent the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

Due to the length and tall profile of your travel trailer, I'd recommend a weight distribution system that features an integrated sway control function. The # 49570 with its effective range of 700-1200 lbs would seem to be right in the ballpark as far as weight rating goes, but the friction sway control unit included would be insufficient to resist the trailer sway caused by crosswinds or turbulence from oncoming or passing traffic.

I'd recommend the Equal-I-zer weight distribution system, part # EQ37100ET. This system is effective on trailers with tongue weights ranging from 600-1000 lbs, which should be perfect for the fully loaded tongue weight of your Jayflight 27BH travel trailer. The system includes the weight distributing shank and the 2-5/16 inch trailer ball. You'll need to use a thin walled 1-7/8 inch socket to install the hitch ball, we offer one as part # EQ70-00-4800. The sway control provided by this particular system would be much more effective than what would be provided by the system you mentioned.

expert reply by: Mike L