Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch for 2017 Ford F-150 Towing 35-Ft Travel Trailer

Question:

I am towing a 35 foot travel trailer that weighs 8500 pounds with a tongue weight of 1200 pounds. With a 2017 ford f150 super crew with max tow package with a 145 inch wheel base rated to tow 12200 pounds. I am currently having a lot of sway . I am attaching pictures of my hitch. I was wanting to know if this was a good one for my situation. And if I could purchase cam style spring bars for this hitch in order to purchase and use the Reese dual cam sway control. If so would you send the part number for these items thank you

asked by: Russell P

Expert Reply:

Thank you for the photo of your weight distribution hitch head assembly. We do not have any way for you to add the Reese dual-cam sway control to this hitch setup but we can help you choose the correct system for your trailer, one that will both equalize your axle load AND prevent sway issues. The modern systems we offer include ones with integrated anti-sway, rather than just the add-on friction bar type you had, and these will deliver far superior performance.

The key to choosing a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) system is knowing the fully loaded trailer's actual measured tongue weight (TW) by measuring with a scale # e99044 and to this adding the weight of any cargo in the truck that sits behind the rear axle, say a generator for example, since this cargo weight will appear to be TW to the installed WD system. Once you know the total TW of the cargo and trailer, you're ready to pick out a system.

Ideally your total TW will fall in the middle of the system's operating range. This ensures the system is stiff enough to provide the weight shift to your front axle, but without being so stiff that it causes weird handling from the trailer. If your actual total TW is 1200-1300-lbs then a system rated for between 1000- and 1400-lbs would be perfect.

The linked page displays WD/SC systems for 2-inch hitches that include the shank and that prevent sway, instead of trying to stop it once it starts. Click on your total TW to see suitable options such as # EQ37140ET from Equal-I-zer. This setup works over a TW range of 1000- to 1400-lbs, includes the hitch ball and it features narrow frame brackets that can be easier to position on the trailer frame since they are smaller than most. Please have a look at the linked video that will show you this system in detail.

expert reply by: Adam R