How to Select Correct Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for 36-Foot Travel Trailer

Question:

I plan to tow a 36 foot travel trailer with a 2014 F150. Trailer weight loaded will be about 8300. Tongue weight is 850. How do I know if i need a 2 point or 4 point distribution hitch?

asked by: Todd B

Expert Reply:

What matters most with weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) hitches is matching the system to the tongue weight (TW) of the fully-loaded trailer. Any cargo in the truck that sits behind the rear axle, such as a full cooler or generator, also has to be added in to the trailer's measured TW. We offer a scale # e99044 to measure TW but other methods are outlined in the linked article. The ideal situation is that your total TW will fall in the middle of the system's operating range.

The WD/SC systems that offer 4-point sway control will apply more friction to the spring bars and tend to keep the trailer more in line with the tow vehicle. For a 36-foot trailer that weighs over 8K you will want 4-point. Systems from Equal-i-zer use 4-point anti-sway (2 friction points in the head and one at the end of each bar) and have spring bar brackets that are smaller and easier to place on the trailer frame. If your TW does not exceed 850-lbs then you can use their system # EQ37100ET. If your total TW ends up being more like 1000-lbs then a better option is part # EQ37120ET.

Both systems are complete; all you might want to add is a 1-7/8-inch thin-walled socket like # EQ70-00-4800 for hitch ball installation.

expert reply by: Adam R