Weight Distribution for 2001 Ford Excursion Pulling a 7500lb Holiday Rambler Trailer

Question:

I have an 01 Ford Excursion 7.3 diesel and pull a Holiday Rambler 32 Alumascape TT. TT dry weight is 7450. Not sure as the toung weight but when hooked to the Excursion the rear end sits way down. The distribution system I have now has a chain that ties to the toung frame on either side and a separate sway bar. I have to use the toung electric jack to try and get the rig somewhat level but it alwasy ends up with the front end of the Excursion up and rear sagging. can you recomend a solution? Air-Lift? high performance distribution system?

asked by: Bill M

Expert Reply:

An air bag or helper spring set-up is more effective for dealing with weight carried in or on the vehicle itself. A properly sized and adjusted weight distribution system will preform several tasks. It will eliminate the sag experienced when a trailer is hitched up, it can reduce or eliminate trailer sway and it can also improve braking performance and and steering response. A weight distribution system accomplishes this by using leverage to transfer a portion of the trailer tongue weight from the rear vehicle axle to the front axle, thus leveling the ride height.

As a starting point, you should ensure that the suspension components of your Excursion are in good condition. Then, you will want to review the set-up instructions for your weight distribution system. Make sure the angle of the trailer ball and the height of the weight distribution head is set correctly. Make sure that the chain hangers are set so that the spring bars are either parallel with the trailer frame, or pointing downward at the rear when under tension.

You should also make sure that your system is properly rated to handle the tongue weight of your trailer. We typically calculate tongue weight as 10 to 15 percent of the loaded and ready-to-tow weight of the trailer. If the dry weight is 7450, what is the weight when the trailer is loaded with gear and the propane and water tanks are filled? I'll link you to an FAQ article that shows how to determine this.

If you should find that your trailer has overloaded the weight distribution system you currently have, I would recommend an Equal-i-zer System. This system combines weight distribution with proven sway control that actually stops trailer sway before it can begin. The length of your trailer pretty well puts it beyond the effectiveness of a friction sway bar such as the one you are using.

If the as-towed tongue weight ranges from 800 to 1200 lbs, I would recommend part # EQ37120ET. If the trailer tongue weight falls into the 1000-1400 lb range, use part # EQ37140ET (shank is included). These systems both include a 2-5/16 inch ball.

Ideally, you would want your trailer tongue weight to fall somewhere in the middle of the effective range of the system.

I have provided links to the products I have recommended, as well as links to FAQ articles about weight distribution that should prove helpful.