Recommended Weight Distribution System for Trailer with 484 Pound Loaded Tongue Weight

Question:

I have a 2015 Ford F150 XLT and towing a Winnegabo Winne Model 1780 with max trailer weight of 3,500. With a mostly loaded trailer with full water tank I have tongue weight of 484 Lbs. How much does the hitch weigh and does that add to the tongue weight and considerations of the capacity of hitch I should purchase? I also need 3 inch drop for this hitch to match up truck and trailer if there is any other brands you could recommend?

asked by: BRUCE A

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET referenced in your question has a total weight of around 98 ponds including the spring bars. The actual weight of a weight distribution system does not need to be factored in when determining your total tongue weight though. The system will essentially become part of the trailer hitch, which does not need to be included in your tongue weight.

When picking out a weight distribution system you will want to determine your total tongue weight. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer plus any additional cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your F-150. You mentioned a loaded tongue weight of 484 pounds. If you will be carrying a decent amount of weight in the bed of your truck you might end up creeping towards the limits of the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET system, which has a tongue weight capacity of 200 to 600 pounds. Ideally your total tongue weight will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range for the weight distribution system.

If you find that you do stay comfortably within this range with your total tongue weight then this system will work great. We really like the Equal-i-zer systems both because of their performance and ease of installation. The system also includes an adjustable shank that has a drop of up to 3 inches, so you're good to go there as well.

For a really similar system that offers a slightly higher tongue weight capacity range I recommend the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0800. This system has a tongue weight capacity range of 400 to 800 pounds so it may be a better match for your total tongue weight. It features integrated 2-Point Sway Control with no-drill clamp-on brackets that can be adjusted along the trailer frame. The included adjustable shank has a maximum drop of 1/2 inch so you will just need to add the Weight Dist Shank # FA92-02-4315 which provides a drop of up to 9-3/4 inches (with 1-1/4 inch adjustment increments).

For this system you will also just need to add a compatible hitch ball like the 2 inch # EQ91-00-6080 or the 2-5/16 inch # EQ91-00-6100.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this system that you can also check out.