Is a Weight Distribution System Needed on a 2014 Ford Escape  

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A weight distribution system is generally used when the rear of a vehicle is sagging due to the added tongue weight of a trailer. The springs bars attached to both the hitch and trailer will evenly distribute the tongue weight of the trailer across both axles on the tow vehicle which results in reduced vehicle sag and increased braking power. A weight distribution system can also help immensely with trailer sway.

Therefore, if your vehicle is not sagging while the trailer is attached and you are not experience trailer sway then you may not need to use a weight distribution system. However, if the gross trailer weight (GTW) of your trailer is more than 50% of your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the use of a weight distribution system is recommended. According to my research, your 2012 Palomino Gazelle Series M-145 TREK Specs has a GTW of around 2,500 lbs and your vehicle has a GVWR of around 4,500 lbs. Since the GTW of your trailer is more than 50% of the GVWR of your vehicle, I recommend using a weight distribution system.

Before you decide which weight distribution system is right for you, you will need to be sure your hitch is rated for use with a weight distribution system. If it is a factory hitch then this information should be located in your owner's manual but if it is an aftermarket hitch this information is usually found placed on an information sticker on the hitch itself. If the hitch you currently have is not rated for use with a weight distribution system then I recommend using the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75782.

In order to be sure you are choosing the correct weight distribution system, you will want to find the total tongue weight (TTW) of your towing setup by adding the tongue weight of both your loaded ready to tow trailer and any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

The average TTW rating of a trailer is typically 10-15% of the GTW. An easy way to find this would involve using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale part # e99044. When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want your total tongue weight to fall in the middle of the weight distributions weight capacity. For example, the ideal weight distribution system for a total tongue weight of 600 lbs. is one that is rated for 400-800 lbs. of tongue weight.

Your trailer has a dry hitch weight of about 250 lbs therefore, as long as you do not place more than 150 of weight behind the rear axle of your Escape or on the tongue of the trailer I recommend using the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control part # EQ37040ET. If you do place more than 150 lbs of weight in either of these location then I recommend using part # EQ37060ET.

The Equal-i-zer weight distribution systems are considered to be one of the best on the market. I have attached a review video on one of the systems for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

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