Sway Control for 2014 Ford F-150 Pulling Heartland Mallard M32

Question:

Received scales today and weighted 900 pounds, feel like that a little lite due one gas bottle being almost empty and some of stuff that goes in storage supporting and chocking trailer in place. So if that the case I am at rated or over on current WDS hitch (10,000/1000). Suggest path forward?

asked by: Jeff E

Helpful Expert Reply:

The best option for you would be to add a weight distribution hitch to control the sway while towing with your 2014 Ford F-150. In order to choose the best weight distribution hitch, you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your '14 F-150.

To determine TW you can use a scale such as the etrailer # e99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining TW I've linked for you. The ideal system would be one in which your TW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity. For example, if your TW was 1,250 lbs a great weight distribution hitch would be the Equal-i-zer # EQ37140ET. This system uses 4-point sway control to prevent sway before it starts.

I've added a link to an article detailing weight distribution as well as a link to our page with our selection of systems.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Jeff

11/3/2017

Kyle S.

11/3/2017

For your tongue weight, I highly recommend the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084. This system is rated for tongue weights between 700 lbs and 1,200 lbs, which is optimal for your roughly 900-1,000 lb tongue weight. It uses a dual-cam system to prevent sway and uses serrated washers to tilt the head, a process that is easier than the traditional method of piling washers on top of each other. The Strait-Line is for use with 2" hitch receivers and trailer frames no wider than 2-1/2". It is rated very highly by our customers, with well over 100 reviews giving it an average of nearly 5 stars. The only thing you would need with this system is the appropriate sized hitch ball, either 2" # A-90 or 2-5/16" # 19286. I've added a link to a video review of this system for you to take a look at as well. Another highly rated option would be the Equal-i-zer # EQ37120ET, which is for TW between 800 lbs and 1,200 lbs. It is different from the Strait-Line in that it uses friction to keep the spring bars tight and prevent sway and also uses the traditional washer method to achieve head tilt. It is recommended to use socket # EQ70-00-4800 for the hitch ball installation. This Equal-i-zer is generally regarded as a bit easier in terms of overall installation than the Strait-Line which is why some prefer it. I've added links to video reviews of both systems for you to take a look at.