Recommended Weight Distribution System for Trailer with 9,500 GVWR and an F-350 With a 7 inch Lift

Question:

I have a 2014 F350 single rear wheel 4x4 truck with 7inch lift on itand 37inch tires. I am buying a 35foot travel trailer that is 8130# unloaded and max weight of 9500 loaded. tongue is 860# unloaded. Can you recommend which weight distribution hitch would be best suited for my vehicle given the added height and size of trailer I am towing? If measurements of something are needed I can provide them. Thanks.

asked by: Ryan B

Expert Reply:

When picking out a Weight Distribution (WD) System, you will first want to figure out the Tongue Weight (TW) of your loaded and ready-to-go trailer, plus any cargo that you will be hauling in the rear of your 2014 Ford F-350. After finding out the total weight, you will then want to pick your WD system so that your total weight falls in the middle of the weight range of that WD system.

Since the typical TW of a trailer is 10-15 percent of the loaded and ready-to-go trailer, the max TW that you will be dealing with is 1,425 lbs. With that being said, realistically a TW will usually fall right about 13 percent of the TW, which. in your case, is 1,235 lbs. Based off of those numbers, I recommend using the Reese Strait-Line WD System with Sway Control # RP66130. This WD system is rated for 900-1,500 lbs TW and 15,000 Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). It also will allow you to backup which is a convenient feature for a system with sway control. Please note that this WD system will not fit on trailer frames that are wider than 2-1/2 inches.

The shank that you will want to use with the Strait-Line is part # RP3344 which has a 7-5/8 to 8-5/8 inch drop. The only thing about this shank is that it has a TW of 1,400 lbs so it will be your limiting factor.

The WD system doesn't come with a hitch ball either so you will want to use part # C40030.

I have attached some demonstration videos for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jon G