Can a Weight Distribution System Be Used On a Boat Trailer with Surge Brakes

Question:

I have an F150 with an 11,200 lb towing capacity but that load requires a WDH. My boat and trailer weights about 9,000 lb and I have about 500 lb of tongue weight. The F150 is limited to 500 lbs of tongue weight and 5,000 tow load without the WDH. My boat tows fine without a WDH with none/very little sway and I have Kodiak disc brakes on both axles, but I am concerned about liability if I should be in a wreck without a WDH while towing. How well do surge brakes work with WDH on aluminum boat trailers?

asked by: AM

Expert Reply:

There are options for you to install a weight distribution system on your trailer to then allow you to be inline with the manufactures specifications for the tow vehicle, a 2015 Ford F-150. That said, because of the surge brakes you will be limited to friction style weight distribution systems whereas those with chains will not work. The good news is that the friction style weight distribution systems are much more effective than than the chain style. They do however cost a bit more but are totally worth it.

I recommend the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System part # RP66559 with the Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter part # RP3280. There will also be a hitch ball needed, part # A-90 for 2" or part # 19286 for 2-5/16". The addition of a weight distribution system is going to do more for your Ford F-150 than you may think. If the rear is sagging whether that be dramatic or not, this could still very well have an effect on your towing performance which you might not even realize until you install a weight distribution system. The tongue weight on boat trailers is often lighter than most other types so sway is more common but it is good that you do not have any. The friction style weight distribution systems would help with this if it was present anyhow.

expert reply by: Conner L