How to Choose a Weight Distribution System

Question:

I drive a 2006 Ford F150 with 5.4L triton V8. I’m interested in a weight distribution and sway control unit to install on my 16ft car trailer but I’m unsure which one to buy. The trailer weighs ~1900 lbs but with a vehicle on the deck, total trailer + load = ~5,400 to 6000 lbs When I look at my truck bumper, there are two categories listed. One is “weight carrying” which lists max gross trailer weight at 7800 lbs and max tongue weight at 500 lbs. The other category is “weight distributing” which lists max gross trailer weight at 9900 lbs and max tongue weight at 990 lbs. I will likely never exceed 5,400 to 6000 lbs of weight trailer + load behind my truck. I live in a very remote area and have no way of figuring how much tongue weight that is. What unit should I be looking at? Thanks for advice on how to proceed.

asked by: Lance N

Expert Reply:

In order to choose the best weight distribution system you have to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go car trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2006 Ford F-150.

The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR and even though you said there is no way for you to figure out your total tongue weight, the good news is you can verify it by using the etrailer # e99044 scale. 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.

It is vital to know your total tongue weight because without knowing you will get a system that is not effective. Based on the information you gave a good estimate is a tongue weight in the 800 lb range depending on the cargo you carry behind your rear axle. If so I recommend the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET. This system has a TTW range between 600 lbs and 1,000 lbs, uses clamp-on brackets so you won't have to drill along your trailer frame, allows you to back up with the system on, and prevents sway instead of just manages it with 4 points of sway control via friction in the spring bars. Our customers who have used this system regard it very highly, with well over 200 reviews it has averaged nearly 5 out of 5 stars, as you can see on the product page.

This system comes with everything you need for installation though it is recommended you use thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 for installation of the hitch ball. I've added links to video reviews of this system for you to take a look at, as well as links to help articles determining your total tongue weight and weight distribution in general.

expert reply by: Kyle S