Can I use a Weight Distribution Hitch with Helper Springs?

Question:

I have a F150 and I added 2000lb Hellwig helper springs to the rear leaf springs. I have bought a 28foot trailer with Gross loaded weight of 6250 lbs. I calculated out the Tongue Weight from previous expert answers to be 781 lbs @12.5 and 875 lbs @14. Would I still want to use a 1000 lb rated WDH or do the helper springs allow me to just use an anti-sway system and no WDH?

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

Suspension enhancement systems can be used with a weight distribution system without any problem, in fact, a weight distribution system is going to be more effective at leveling out your load than the helper springs in the sense that it will distribute extra weight off of the rear axle whereas without a weight distribution system all of the weight would still be on the rear axle and suspension.

When determining tongue weight, in addition to your fully loaded trailer you will also want to consider any weight that would also be carried behind the rear axle of your F-150. I've attached an article on how to accurately determine the tongue weight of your towing setup; it references a etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044 that you may want to consider.

With that being said, you'll want your tongue weight and the weight loaded behind the rear axle of your truck to fall somewhere in the middle of the tongue weight range on your weight distribution system. I recommend going with a system that combines weight distribution and anti-sway like the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66559. The no drill, clamp on brackets are easy to install. When compared to most systems that use metal-on-metal friction to eliminate sway, this system uses a car brake type pad attached to the spring bars to keep the noise down to a minimum. This particular model has a tongue weight range of 500-1000lbs and your total tongue weight should be right in the middle of that range.

The next weight range up from that would be # RP66560 and has a 700-1200lb total tongue weight range. This is the option to move up to if you're finding that your tongue weight is higher than your initial calculations, especially after adding in cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle.

This hitch does not come with a hitch ball, so you would also need to get a hitch ball with a 1-1/4" diameter similar to the Curt # A-90 .