Recommended Weight Distribution System for Towing an R-Pod 172

Question

Question:

Good morning, I have just bought a travel trailer R-Pod 172 and I’d like to get a weight distribution system with sway control for it. After some research on your website I like the Blue Ox BXW0550-S. My tow vehicle is a 2002 Ford Expedition. The trailer dry weight is 2,532 lbs Max cargo capacity is 694 lbs. So the Gross Trailer Weight Rating is 3,226 lbs. Figuring 10 to 15 of the GTWR on the tongue I get a Tongue Weight of 323 lbs to 484 lbs not including the cargo loaded behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle I am not planning to load more than 100 lbs anyway. The Blue Ox BXW0550-S is rated for a tongue weight of 550 lbs, which falls in the very upper limit of my setup. Do you think this system is the right fit for my setup? Or it is maybe oversized considering that probably I will never travel with the R-Pod at its GVWR? Any other recommendation / suggestion are more than welcome. Thanks in advance.

asked by: Matteo P

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Expert Reply:

Since you will be adding the 100 lbs behind the rear axle of your 2002 Ford Expedition it really boils down to how much tongue weight your R-Pod 172 will have when it is fully loaded. If you are at the lower end then the Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW0556 with the max tongue weight of 550 lbs is the weight distribution (WD) system you want to go with. If your loaded tongue weight is on the higher end the SwayPro # BXW0756 with the minimum tongue weight of 550 lbs is the better option.

For something that is a little more cut and dry I highly recommend the Reese Strait-Line # RP66087 which has a tongue weight range of 400 lbs - 800 lbs. This means that you don't have to guess which way your loaded trailer tongue will be before purchasing a WD system. The Strait-Line system uses dual cams to help fight sway before it starts as opposed to correcting it after it is in effect.

One of the great things about the Strait-Line is that if you don't have enough room on your trailer tongue to accommodate the chain hanger brackets you can install the Chain Hangers # RP58305 which bolt on to your trailer frame.

No matter if you go with the SwayPro or the Strait-Line you also need a hitch ball like the 2" part # A-90 or the 2-5/16" part # 19286 to complete the setup.

I have attached a review video for you to check out for both systems.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 10

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