Weight Distribution Hitch for 2014 Ford F-150 Towing Tandem Axle Car Hauler Trailer

Question:

I have a 2014 F150 with the stock hitch with ratings of 500 lbs /5,000 lbs. weight carrying and 1,050 lbs / 10,500 lbs weight distribution. I also have a 18 foot tandem axle car hauler trailer that weighs 2,100 lbs and will be hauling a tractor that weighs approximately 4,000 lbs. for a total weight of just over 6,000 lbs. total. Can you recommend a weight distribution hitch for this application? You have so many different ones on your site, I dont know which one I should choose. I would like one with trunnion bars, and also one that does not need to be disconnected for backing up at sharp angles. Any help that you could provide would be appreciated. Thanks.

asked by: Brian K

Expert Reply:

I am happy to help you select a suitable trunnion bar weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) hitch setup for use with your F-150 and tandem axle car hauler trailer. Trunnion bar systems are a good choice for their better ground clearance. And yes, there are quite a few choices! The linked article and video may be a good starting point for you.

Loaded trailer tongue tweight (TW) is the key to choosing a system with the right amount of spring tension. With a car hauler trailer he exact position of the vehicle on it can make a difference so what I suggest is using Tongue Weight Scale # e99044 to measure the loaded TW. If you position the tractor in a few different likely loading spots on the trailer and measure the TW each time you will know the actual range of TW you will have and you can select a system.

In addition to the actual loaded trailer TW you need to account for any cargo weight in the truck that sits behind the rear axle, say a generator or tool box. This cargo weight acts like trailer TW so add it to the measured trailer TW and you're ready to select a system. Ideally your total TW will fall in the middle of the system's operating range.

If you find your total TW to be in the 800-900-lb range then you will want a system such as the Equal-I-zer 4-Point # EQ37100ET which works effectively from 600- to 1000-lbs of TW. This is a complete system that includes the shank and hitch ball. Thin-wall socket # ALL643216 is recommended for ball installation.

Please have a look at the linked install video to see this system in action.