Best Weight Distribution System for Towing a 28 ATC Aluminum Trailer with a 2017 Ford F-350
Question:
I have a 2017 Ford F-350 SRW FX4 Supercrew with a 6.7 PSD. I am picking up an ATC 28’ front bedroom toy hauler with genset 985 lb toungue weight advertised from Missouri and towing back to Phx, Az. I’m looking for advice on weight distribution with the aluminum frame in mind. Some say the aluminum frame shouldn’t have a WDH attached. Others do. I’m asking the experts! I would prefer to have a Weigh-safe hitch for a 3” receiver and whatever else you recommend for weight distribution if, in fact, the aluminum 2”x8” frame supports it. I’m leaving in 2 weeks. What do you recommend. Thanks in advance!
asked by: Richard H
Helpful Expert Reply:
You do have a very interesting situation. When it comes to aluminum trailers we always defer to the manufacturer whether it is just a utility trailer or an RV trailer like your toy hauler. Aluminum frames can't always withstand the pressure of a weight distribution (WD) system but if the manufacturer has tested and approved a WD system then you are good to go. I was able to get a hold of someone from the warranty department at ATC and they said that using a WD system with their trailers would not void the warranty but I would call them yourself and be sure to write down who told you it was okay just in case. If you already know the VIN for your trailer that would help too.
Typically you want to choose a WD system based off of the loaded tongue weight (TW) of your trailer as if you were going camping. You would then add that with the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2017 Ford F-350 (known as Total Tongue Weight or TTW) and choose a WD system with a TW range that your TTW falls in the middle of. Since you are wanting to use one for the return ride when your trailer is empty though that means you need a WD system that can exchange the bars so you don't purchase an entirely new system when you load your trailer up.
The unloaded TW of your trailer it 985 lbs, as you mentioned, but the GVWR is 11,440 lbs. Since this is the max that your trailer can weigh, and since the TW of your trailer should be 10-15% of your loaded trailer, this means your TW range is 985 lbs - 1,716 lbs. We don't have a single WD system with that wide of a range but we do have systems from Blue Ox that allow you to change out the bars depending on your load.
Since your unloaded TW is 985 lbs I recommend going with the Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW1500 which has a TW range of 1,000 lbs - 1,500 lbs. This is slightly over what you need but it will work best and has integrated sway control. If you find that your TTW is higher than 1,500 lbs then you can use the Replacement Spring Bars # BXW4014 which will change your TW range to 1,500 lbs - 2,000 lbs. You will also need a hitch ball like part # 63840 and a larger shank like part # EQ90-02-4900 (for a 2-1/2" receiver) along with an adapter like part # BWRHXA2183 since you have a 3" receiver. We do have reducers for a 3" - 2" receiver but for as much weight as you are towing I would go with the above recommendation.
To calculate your TW you will need to either use a weight scale like part # e99044 or a method described in the linked article as the Weigh-Safe ball mounts are not compatible with a WD system. I have also attached some other helpful articles and review videos that you can reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
B&W Hitch Receiver Reducer Sleeve - 3" to 2-1/2"
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Reducer
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- No Extension
- Fits 3 Inch Hitch
- 3 Inch to 2-1/2 Inch
- B and W
more information >
Replacement Spring Bars for Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System - 2,000 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Spring Bars
- 2000 lbs TW
- Trunnion Bar
- SwayPro
- Blue Ox
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 2-1/2" Hitch - 10" Rise/6" Drop
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- 1200 lbs TW
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Equal-i-zer
- Square - 6 Inch Drop
- Square - 10 Inch Rise
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Severe Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Best Weight Distribution Hitch System For a ATC Trailer With 2" X 8" Tall Frame Rails
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Search Results: equalizer hitch
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Kit - Free Backing - Galvanized - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Replacement Converter for Magnetek 7300 in Airstream
- Shop: B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control for 2.5" Hitch - 16K GTW, 1.6K TW
- Shop: Electric Jack w/ Footplate - A-Frame - 25-1/8" Lift - 3.5K - Black
- Shop: Trailer Valet XL Trailer Dolly with Chain Drive - 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Is There a Way to Replace Cracked Screen on Lippert Smart Jack
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution System To Tow An ATC Game Changer 2513 Travel Trailer
- Q&A: Choosing Weight Distribution System for 8-Inch-Tall Trailer Frame
- Search Results: bearing kit
- Q&A: Recommended Sway Control Compatible With Aluminum Frame Car Hauler Trailer
- Shop: RV Covers
- Search Results: l track
- Search Results: curt sway
- Q&A: Recommended Storage Cover for a 24 foot ATC Enclosed Race Trailer
- Search Results: demco brakes
- Search Results: demco
- Video: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution - WD With Sway Control - EQ37120ET Review
- Search Results: bearings
- Video: CargoSmart E Track - E-Track Cargo Organizers - 3481725 Review
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Weight Distribution Hitch - 10K WD With Sway Control - BLU66FR
- Video: Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit Review and Installation
- Video: Trailer Valet 5X Swivel Jack and Trailer Mover Review
on Weight Distribution Hitch
