Weight Distribution Hitch Recommendation for 2013 Ford F-150 Towing 2017 R-Pod 180  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

According to my research your 2017 Forest River R-Pod 180 has a GVWR of 3,785 lbs and a dry hitch weight of 285 lbs. This will help determine the weight distribution hitch you need, but in order to choose the best weight distribution system, you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), 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 2013 Ford F-150.

The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR but you'll want to verify it by using a scale such as the etrailer # e99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

Based on the numbers you gave an educated guess for your TTW is somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 lbs - 600 lbs. If so, your best option is going to be the Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 which has a TTW range of between 400 lbs and 800 lbs. It uses a dual cam system to prevent sway before it begins and will allow you to back up even with the system on. The Strait-Line will require a hitch ball, either # A-90 for a 2" ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16" ball.

I have added links to video reviews of these parts and if your TTW turns out to be in a different range let me know and I'll be happy to make a recommendation for you.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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