Weight Distribution System Recommendation for 2010 Ford Expedition Pulling a 22 Foot Trailer

Question:

Hello, I have a 2010 Expedition 9200lb towing distributed capacity, well be towing a 8000lb 22ft boat with unmeasured tongue weight but assuming 800-1200lbs loaded, with a surge break. I think this is the best system you offer for us but I have a few questions: Do you know the height adjust available on the head as we currently use a 4 raised hitch? Sometimes we only tow a mile away and I was wondering if the bars quick release from the head and if so what the towing capacity of the system is without the bars in place? I was also wondering if tight cornering is affected using the bars as we need to back the trailer into a tight space to launch on a pier. Thank you for your help and advice on this matter.

asked by: Clint N

Expert Reply:

You are correct, the Reese Steadi-Flex, part # RP66560 is a very good choice for your application.

This hitch has a maximum rise of 8-3/4 inches, so you will be able to achieve the same amount of rise that you have on your current hitch.

If you wanted to remove the bars completely to allow you to use the hitch without the weight distribution functions, you would lower the bars from their hangers like you are disconnecting the trailer with the lowering handle. Once the bars are off the hangers, you would swing them out and away from trailer until they are pivoted far enough out that you would be able to pivot the bars down, and they would come out of the head and be successfully removed.

The weight distribution system has a weight limit of 1,200 lbs tongue weight, and the draw bar in this system has a weight limit of 1,500 lbs. However, you must also consider the weight limits of your hitch and vehicle for when a weight distribution system is not being used, and go with the lowest weight limit on your setup as the maximum weight you can tow. Based on the numbers from the weight distribution system the lower of two is 1,200 lbs, so that would be the limit.

Cornering will not be affected when you use this weight distribution system. In a really tight jackknife situation it may be necessary to remove the trunnion bars to prevent damage to your weight distribution system, but for the most part it should not be a problem.

expert reply by: Jameson C