Recommendation of Weight Distribution System for 2005 Lincoln Aviator Towing a 20 Foot Car Hauler

Question:

I have a 2005 Lincoln aviator with a towing package rated at max gw 7700# and max tw of 770# with a distribution system. 5000#gw and 500# without weight distribution. I will be towing a King America 20 car hauler with electric brakes. Total gw is 6600# and the tw ranges from 650-730# depending on exactly where the car sits. What is the best weight distribution with sway control package needed for this application. Thanks

asked by: John D

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution systems have a tongue weight range, essentially the spring bar effective window. When selecting a system, you want your loaded tongue weight to fall within that window. If the tongue weight is more, the spring bars will be ineffective and could bend or break. If the tongue weight is below that window, you will have a very stiff ride and could even end up losing traction on the rear vehicle wheels.

On your 2005 Lincoln Aviator towing a 20 foot King American car hauler with a loaded tongue weight of 650 lbs to 730 lbs, the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution with Sway Control, part # RP66560, that you have referenced is an excellent choice for your trailer with electric brakes. It has a tongue weight range ( 600 lbs to 1,200 lbs) that will fit your application.

If trailer sway is more of a problem, I would recommend the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control, part # RP66084. The Strait-Line system # RP66084 uses a dual-cam sway control. The dual-cam sway control is pro active and will stop sway before it begins.

With either of these systems you will need a properly sized hitch ball with 1-1/4 inch shank, like the Tow Ready 2-5/16 Hitch Ball, part # 19286, or the Curt 2 Inch Hitch Ball, part # A-90.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on weight distribution and a link to a video of the Reese Strait-Line system being installed on a vehicle.