Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendations for a 2004 Ford Explorer

Question:

I have a 2004 Ford Explorer 4X4 with standard towing package rated at 3400# towing and 350# tongue weight. I am planning on purchasing a camping trailer at about this maximum capacity about 21 feet long. Do I need anything beyond the stock receiver Class II assumed such as weight distribution or sway control and can these even be added to a Class II at all?

asked by: Jerry

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution can only be used with a Class III hitch or higher. What you can do if you want to use weight distribution is add a Class III trailer hitch. The Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 75132, will fit under the factory 1-1/4 inch hitch that you have on your 2004 Ford Explorer. With this hitch installed, you can add weight distribution provided that the vehicle owners manual allows the use of weight distribution as well.

If you can go this route, you would the need a weight distribution system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the trailer tongue weight when loaded and ready to tow. Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of gross trailer weight. You will also need to factor in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the Explorer when calculating tongue weight. So if you are near the 350 pound mark with the trailer, I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, # RP66086.

This system has a range of 200 to 600 pounds tongue weight. It also comes with the required shank and dual-cam sway control. Dual-cam sway control is preferred because it is a pro-active system. This means that it stops trailer sway before sway even starts. All you would need is a properly sized ball such as # 19286 (2-5/16 inch diameter) or # A-90 (2 inch diameter).

If you do not want to add a new hitch, you can still use a friction sway control system, but no weight distribution. You would need to add a Reese Sway-Control Bracket, # RP26005, which mounts to a Class II ball mount. You can then add the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit, # 83660.

I have included installation instructions for the hitch and weight distribution and a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control for you.