Correctly Rated Weight Distribution System for Travel Trailer with 8,600 lb GVWR

Question:

My new TT is 8600lb GVWR with 675lb TW. Is it better to go with the 10,000/1,000 setup or the 15,000/1,500 setup? I dont want it to be to rigid with the stronger bars but I also dont know if I need to leave wiggle room with the weights. New TT is a Heartland North Trail 31BHDD being towed my a 2017 F150 with Max Tow. Thanks.

asked by: Albert M

Expert Reply:

The correct weight distribution system for you is going to be the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BXW1500 which is rated for total tongue weights (TTW) between 1,000 lbs and 1,500 lbs.

The reason for this is the ideal system would be one in which your TTW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity and TTW is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2017 Ford F-150.

Since you said your Heartland North Trail 31BHDD travel trailer has a GVWR of 8,600 lbs, and your loaded tongue weight is generally in the range of 12% to 15% of your trailer's GVWR, even without cargo behind your truck's rear axle you have a TTW that isn't optimal for the 750 lbs to 1,000 lbs rating of the Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW1000. You can verify your tongue weight by using a scale such as the etrailer # e99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you.

This system will require roughly 29" of space from the back of the hitch ball and is for trailers with a frame that is between 3" and 6". It comes with everything needed for installation except for the hitch ball and for that you'll need one with a 1-1/4" shank like # A-90 for a 2" hitch ball or # C40030 for a 2-5/16" hitch ball.

I have also added a link to a video review of the SwayPro # BXW1506 for you to take a look at.