Weight Distribution System Recommendation for 2016 Ford F-150 Towing Near Capacity

Question:

Have a new 2016 Ford F150, King Ranch Super Crew. 3.5L EcoBoost with a 3.31 Axle Ratio. It has factory installed class IV Hitch. Rhe spec sheet saays Max Loaded Trailer Weight Rating is 10,700LBS. Going to be pulling a Dump Trailer rated at 9889LBS GVWR/PNBV. Trailer Dealer is recommending a staronger Hitch than what cakme from factory. What am I missing? Thought I bought the F150 with what I needed? Thanks!

asked by: Barry B

Expert Reply:

If your vehicle and hitch have more capacity than needed for the trailer you plan to tow there's no reason to go with a higher rated one.

What I would recommend instead, and I swear I am not just trying to sell you something, is a weight distribution system. We recommend using a weight distribution system on any trailer where more than half of the hitch capacity is being used. A weight distribution takes some of the tongue weight of the trailer and distributes it up to the front axle of the truck so as to improve vehicle sag, braking, and handling.

Most likely the Strait Line part # RP66084 would be your best option as it has a tongue weight range of 600-1200 lbs and features the only sway control on the market designed to fight sway before it starts.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.