Selecting Weight Distribution Hitch for Trailer with Loaded Weight from 5000- to 6100-lbs

Question:

We own a 2010 Ford F-150 that can tow 8100. We purchased a 2015 jayco Jay feather ultra lite 23b that gross weight is 4956 without cargo. With cargo we will be looking at 5000-6100 lbs. ford has tow package with electric break and sway control. What weight distribution hitch and sway bars do you recommend? Thank you!

asked by: Melisa U

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution/sway control hitch systems like the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66560 that you looked at are best selected based on the trailer's loaded tongue weight (TW), with all your usual gear and supplies in place. This can be easily measured using TW Scale # e99044. To this you want to add the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the truck, say a generator or a big loaded cooler, since this acts like trailer TW. Once you know your total TW you can choose a system. The best case is that your total TW falls right in the middle of the system's operating range.

The Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66560 works for TW from 600- to 1200-lbs so it would be perfect for a total TW in the range of 1000-lbs. Based on your expected range of loaded trailer weights this would cover your needs.

The Steadi-Flex # RP66560 has integrated sway control, instead of the awkward separate friction bar types like # 83660 that you have to disconnect before reversing the trailer.