Recommended Weight Distribution and Sway Control for a 2011 Ford F-250 Towing a Keystone Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

Yes, you could certainly add a weight distribution system and sway control to improve your towing performance, but the systems we offer for 2-1/2 inch trailer hitches are going to be a bit too heavy duty for your particular trailer. The 2-1/2 hitch systems would be compatible for tongue weights up to 1700lbs, but your trailer, even with a maximum load, should only have around 975 or 1000lbs of tongue weight. In this case, I would typically recommend a system rated for tongue weights up to 1200lbs, but you will need to verify the actual loaded tongue weight for the best possible match.

You will definitely want to calculate what the loaded tongue weight of your vehicle and trailer combination is going to be before you can choose the best system for your application. When calculating tongue weight for weight distribution, you will want to add the loaded tongue weight of the trailer to the weight of any gear you will have in the vehicle, behind the rear axle. Going with a system that has too much additional tongue weight capacity would only make the ride stiffer, and basically render the system ineffective, so you will want to be able to match up the system as closely as you can.

Using a weight distribution is a great way to reduce sway while towing, but it is not mandatory. If you would like to improve your towing performance, I would recommend a Reese Strait Line system like part # RP66074, as it includes both weight distribution and dual-cam sway control, if you do find that a 1200lb tongue weight capacity would be sufficient. This would be the top of the line option, giving you the most smooth tracking of the trailer behind your vehicle. In this case, you would need to use a 2 inch to 2-1/2 inch reducer sleeve, part # C45405, and a 2 inch weight distribution shank. I am including a link to all the 2 inch shanks we offer.

You will also need to make sure you have a hitch ball with a 1-1/4 shank diameter, if you do not already. If needed, you can see all the compatible hitch balls we offer at the link provided.

I am also including a link to a video showing a typical weight distribution installation.

expert reply by: Sarah L

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