How to Select Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for 40-Foot Travel Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Thank you for the photo of the tongue area of your 40-foot Park travel trailer. The presence of the propane tanks does potentially affect the selection and installation of a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) system since all such setups require installing spring bar brackets on the frame a specific distance back from the hitch ball. As you review available options you will want to note the required mounting point for those brackets which is in the range of 26- to 32-inches rearward from the center of the hitch ball. You can then compare this dimension to your trailer to ensure compatibility.

The key to choosing the right WD/SC system is knowing the fully-loaded trailer's actual measured tongue weight (TW) using a scale like # e99044. Methods to measure TW are outlined in the linked article. You need to measure the TW with all propane and water tanks filled, supplies and sporting gear loaded, all as when you will head out on a trip. To this measured TW you need to add the weight of any cargo in the F-250 that sits behind the rear axle, say a loaded cooler or generator, since this cargo weight will act just like trailer TW.

The linked page will display all WD/SC systems that prevent sway; just click on your hitch size (2-inch or 2-1/2-inch) to then see suitable options. Then select your total TW figure. The ideal is that your total TW figure will fall near the middle of the operating range for the WD/SC system. For a total TW of 1300-lbs for example, you could use Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System # C17501. The frame brackets for this system need to mount about 31-inches from the hitch ball.

Please feel free to tell me your total TW and I will be glad to offer my best recommendations.

expert reply by: Adam R

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