Recommended Weight Distribution System for Trailer with Dry Tongue Weight of 361 lbs

Question:

I am in the process of buying a travel trailer with a total dry weight of 3421 lbs. and a hitch dry weight of 361 lbs. I looked around your site and found this system: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW Item # FA94-00-1000 I drive a 2010 Ford F150 with the factory towing kit installed and a rated towing capacity of 9,500 lbs. Is the Fastway my best choice? I noticed it said that it cannot be used if the hitch weight is less than 600 lbs. Thanks

asked by: Max G

Helpful Expert Reply:

Good eye. You are correct that weight distribution systems are not specific to the truck capacity or the trailer dry weight. The correct weight distribution system will be based on total tongue weight which is the total loaded (not dry) tongue weight of the trailer as well as any cargo weight behind the rear axle of your truck. This combined weight you want to have within the range given for a weight distribution system, and ideally be in the middle of that range if possible.

It is likely that the loaded tongue weight of your trailer will be over 400 lbs and you may have 100-200 lbs of cargo weight behind that rear axle. That would put you at the 600 lbs, but you'd be on the low end of that system. I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # FA92-00-0800. This will give you a great system for sway control and a total tongue weight between 400 and 800 lbs. This will allow your trailer to be towed with this system even completely unloaded if you put a little weight in the back of your truck. I recommend the trunnion bars over the round bars for better ground clearance.

expert reply by: Jason S