Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2003 Ford F-150 and 22 Foot Airstream Argosy

Question

Question:

I am planning on towing a 22foot Airstream Argosy with my 2003 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 5.4L V8 Triton. The trailer has a GVWR of 5800 and stock weight of 3360. I am buying it from a private seller who has renovated it so I am not sure about the actual weight. As far as the tongue weight I have only found one mention of it being 560lbs. I am looking at a couple of products on your site. Mainly the Reese Steadi-flex #66558 It looks like the GTW will work 6000lbs But the tongue weight seems to be cutting it close at 600lbs. Will adding weight to the trailer change the tongue weight? I am also looking at the Reese SC #66153 which has a tongue weight of 800lbs but I am concerned that it would be too stiff and less efficient. So my final question is: Would the Steadi-Flex be sufficient? Thank you.

asked by: Joe

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Expert Reply:

For your Ford F-150 and your 22 foot Airstream, the Reese Steady-flex # RP66558 is most likely not a large enough system. When choosing a weight distribution system you want to look at the loaded tongue weight of a trailer as well as any cargo behind the rear axle of the truck. This total tongue weight is what you base the system on and you want to fall within the range of the total tongue weight for the system.

When you add weight to the trailer, you will add tongue weight as well, so that is why you are looking at the loaded tongue weight of the trailer as well as the loaded truck with cargo behind the rear axle.

Based on the information you gave, I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion # FA92-00-0800 for your application. This system has a total tongue weight range from 0 lbs to 800 lbs. This will be a good system for you that won't give you too rigid a ride but rather will give you a level ride with integrated sway control.

You will need a hitch ball like # A-90 or # 19286 for this system to match whatever trailer coupler hitch ball size is needed.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Answer 1

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

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Answer 11

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 12

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