Recommendation for Weight Distribution System on 2011 Ford F-250 SD Towing a 2005 Airstream Safari

Question:

hello: what weight distribution system / make / model do you recommend for a 2011 ford f-250 4 door superduty and a 28 2005 airstream safari ? many thanks.

asked by: Richard L

Expert Reply:

To get the correct weight distribution system for your 2005 Airstream Safari being towed by a 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty I would need the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the Airstream. I looked up the Airstream on the internet and the best I could come up with is 9,100 lbs.

To choose a weight distribution system you will need a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the trailer tongue weight loaded and ready to tow, plus the weight of any gear in the truck bed behind the rear axle. If we go by 9,100 pounds and 10 to 15 percent of this as tongue weight, you are looking at 910 pounds to 1,365 pounds.

I would recommend the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution with Sway Control, part # RP66130. This weight distribution system will have a tongue weight capacity range of 800 to 1,500 lbs. This system will include the Dual-Cam sway control that will stop trailer sway before it begins. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the Reese system.

If you did not need the sway control you can use the Reese Weight Distribution without Shank, part # RP66131. This is the same weight distribution system as above just without the sway control.

The only other items needed would be the Reese Weight Distribution Shank, part # RP54970, and the Curt 2-5/16 Inch Hitch Ball, part # 63840.

If the gross vehicle weight rating is different from the weight mentioned above please let me know what it is and I can help you get the correct weight distribution system.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on weight distribution systems.